Florida’s Screen Production industry can have a significant impact on the environment of our state, our nation, and our planet in a number of ways. Productions that produce in Florida can choose to make environmentally wise decisions at every phase of production including lodging, transportation, recycling, purchasing, being energy efficient, F&B considerations, and set design & construction. Everyone on your production team can play a small part in making a big difference, and every department can be involved. Below are several simple ways to make your project more sustainable, but the additional resources provided give you even more detail if you want to take things farther in being sustainable. We hope you’ll find these suggestions and resources helpful, but they are only a first step. Let us know any ideas you may have to improve it. Film Florida is committed to maintaining and updating these recommendations to ensure we take care of our beautiful state.

Green Lodging:

Transportation:

  • Become carbon neutral by offsetting carbon dioxide emissions from electricity and fuel used for the production of transportation, equipment, airplane flights, etc.

  • Carpool and schedule shared transit wherever possible; all vehicles should institute a “no-idling” policy in the transportation department.

  • Use electric or hybrid vehicles when possible. The City of Tampa offers a number of electric vehicle charging stations around town. Click HERE to find charging stations near your production.

  • Ask suppliers of trucks, buses/trailers if they have clean energy options.

  • Take advantage of the TECO Streetcar whenever possible. Find the streetcar map and hours of operation HERE.

Recycling and Proper Waste Disposal:

  • Reduce the use of paper and single use plastic products. Opt for glass bottles when safe to and/or reusable plastic/silicone bottles on set.

  • Set up clearly labeled recycling and composting bins in key areas on set.

  • Use digital versions of production documents rather than hard paper copies. Only print upon request.

  • Purchase 100% recycled paper. Print double-sided and adjust margins to reduce paper use.

  • Provide large recycling bins for paper.

  • Collect batteries and electronic waste separately for proper disposal.

  • After filming wraps, dispose of all trash in an appropriate manner; remember to recycle all appropriate materials. Refer to the Community Recycling Program resource from the Florida Division of Waste Management: https://floridadep.gov/waste/waste/content/community-recycling-program

  • The City of Tampa offers resources for refuse and recycling, linked HERE. Be sure to take advantage of all of resources that the City of Tampa offers, like the Household Hazardous Waste and Electronic Collection system, in which City of Tampa residents can schedule hazardous/electronic waste removal for no added cost.

  • Refer to best practices for disposing of specific waste types, such as grease, used oil, and tires. https://floridadep.gov/waste

  • Make an effort to reuse, sell, or donate all leftover materials including sets, props, and costumes.

  • Contact the City of Tampa’s Green Team to help identify eco-friendly practices. Click HERE to learn more about The Green Team.

Purchasing Sustainably:

  • Buy products from companies in Florida that provide technical assistance, products, and/or services that conserve energy, reduce water consumption, preserve air quality, and reduce the generation of solid waste in hotels and motels across the state.

  • Utilize a dry cleaner that uses GreenEarths, a non-toxic solvent that is safer for humans, for the environment, and for your garments. Locate a GreenEarth dry cleaner near you: https://greenearthcleaning.com/approved-vendors/

  • Use locally produced products and materials to reduce the pollution and energy use associated with transporting the items.

  • Purchase used garments/furniture; re-use set materials from previous productions.

  • Purchase clothing made of organic cotton and/or recycled materials.

  • Replace standard watt bulbs with energy-efficient, long-lasting, compact fluorescent light bulbs.

  • Utilize stores in Tampa that prioritize sustainable practices. Click HERE for Freedom Solar Power’s list of eco-friendly stores in the area.

Energy Efficiency:

  • Utilize clean energy when powering generators and refrigeration systems.

  • Use LED lighting to reduce generator use; fixtures can run off battery packs or plug directly into walls.

  • Ensure editing suites and sets are operating with energy efficiency in mind.

  • Turn off all possible lights and equipment when leaving for the day.

  • Use rechargeable batteries in equipment when possible.

  • Install electrical sub-metering to track electricity consumption.

Craft Services & Catering:

  • Buy organic food, shade-grown/organic, and fair-trade coffee & teas. Florida Certified Organic Growers & Consumers: http://www.foginfo.org/

  • Avoid the use of disposable dishes.

  • Do not use styrofoam or allow styrofoam from outside vendors to be used. Opt for aluminum instead.

  • Use water filters rather than single-use plastic bottles.

  • Click HERE to view Visit Tampa Bay’s curated list of vegan and plant-based restaurants, many that offer catering.

 
Set Design & Construction:

  • Reuse and Recycle sets and donate unwanted lumber, fencing, and other supplies to local organizations in need (e.g. schools, animal care centers).

  • Request wood products that are eco-certified. Utilize products certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), which represent the best assurance of biodiversity protection (fscus.org) – look for the FSC “checkmark and tree” logo.

  • Purchase low-emission (low VOC) and less toxic alternatives of chemicals, paints, flooring, etc.

  • Use thermal storage units that make and use ice to cool soundstages, etc.

  • Use sawdust to make sweeping compounds, clean painting equipment like brushes and buckets, clean moisture spills, mix into plaster instead of sand, or sell as composting material to make natural fertilizer.

  • Use canvas drop cloths instead of paper products to protect floors while painting. Clean and reuse paint brushes instead of throwing them away.

  • Properly recycle construction debris.

Green Production Guide: For a full toolkit, including carbon calculator and sustainable practices checklist with tutorials for each, click HERE.

Eco-Tourism Guide: Browse Visit Florida’s list of eco-friendly lodging, restaurants, activities, transportation, and voluntourism activities. Click HERE to explore.

Resource Library: Includes sample memos that can be sent around to departments, signage, etc., click HERE.

Infographics: Visuals for sustainability best practices in different facilities: Production Office, On Location, Stage & Construction, Facilities.

 

For more info, read the Scope 3 Emissions in Film and Television Production from Sustainable Entertainment Alliance