The moviemaking business has a very large environmental footprint. Idling production vehicles, construction of elaborate sets, extensive lighting needs and a crew of hundreds who all need to be fed and transported are just a few of the contributing factors to the un-enviromentally friendly aspects of the film and television industry.

The UCLA Institute of the Environment's annual report last year found that when compared to other top industries in California, the film and television industry tops the list in air pollution and green house gas emissions. The problem, the study suggested, was that each production is a short lived entity and doesn't have to think of long term supply chain effects that face other types of business and industries.

Most U.S. states and major U.S. cities have a film department, which are usually part of the mayors office to facilitate film productions. Many provide assistance in acquiring permits, location scouting, and hiring local professionals, but very few offer additional incentives for going green or even contain info with practical, money saving tips on being more enviro-friendly.

New Mexico is an exception with their Green Filmmaking Program. The initiative is simple. It is a voluntary program that offers guidelines for productions that want to lessen their footprint. The film office has compiled helpful information on the use of alternative materials and green practices such as recycling, purchasing local products, donating set materials, leasing hybrid vehicles, getting biodiesel for generators, and other waste reduction techniques. They also offer additional tax incentives for productions that follow these guidelines.

New York City, a popular filming destination for movies and TV shows, has recently announced NYC: Green Screen, similar to New Mexico's program offering tools and practical guidelines for shooting greener in NYC.

New Zealand, another moviemaking hotspot (Lord of the Rings triology) features Greening The Screen, an environmental toolkit for productions. The main motivation there is to lessen the impact on New Zealand's historical and cultural heritage, but also to help the boost the country's economy.

The Environmental Media Association presents the Green Seal Award for productions that strive for enviro-friendly practices on and offset as an added incentive for green recognition.

There are some films that will go carbon neutral with out any help from a voluntary program, and others it just makes sense for them to do so, like An Inconvenient Truth. But there is a lot of room for improvement in this multi-billion dollar industry. Maybe Leonardo Dicaprio can extend his efforts to greening his workplace.

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Digital Content Producer