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Simple Tricks to a Greener Outlook

( Editors Note: This article submitted By Jennifer Bullock, local print producer, champion of the environment. Many of The Propville Businesses have a green moniker next to their name. When you see this, you will know that they have either been certified by the city or count that they do business in or that they have devoted a full page of their site to good, green practices.)

The term 'green' can be a daunting one. In today's climate, selecting a greener approach for your business or studio practices, production or next shoot has become easier by the day. With such a conscious community in the Bay Area and in the greater California network, we should realize that such resources are right at our fingertips. Consider some of the following tricks to help green your own outlook, challenge you to do more, and help you set an example for your crew.

Be Resourceful
To begin, know that some of our local film commissions are backing green efforts, making it easier to access information in your community. Within California, consult
the California Film Commission Green Resource Guide ,as well as the
San Francisco Film Commission Green Filming Guide These are two excellent sources that offer a starting place to find green tips, resources and vendors, helping productions to minimize their environmental impact. Each has green information for art departments, catering, production, recycling, set operations and more. If your community is in need of a green guide, provide your film commission with these links as points of reference, and encourage them to help create a similar source. If you consider yourself a green vendor, make sure to get listed in such directories, and credit for your own efforts.(see editors note above)

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
The three simple terms that have become a mantra that we should all know by heart: reduce, reuse, recycle. Consider how this can apply to all aspects of your daily life - in your office, studio, on set and in your home environment.
Reduce: Implement home and office policies around using re-usable water bottles, coffee mugs, canvas bags and more to eliminate excess. Print only necessary documents and try to manage projects and production resources in digital formats or online. Does your community collect compost? Start a compost bin to eliminate waste, using SF Recycling as a guide.
Reuse:Donate items from a shoot or used gear to places such as Scrap: Creative Re-Use or The Kid Camera Project or your local shelter or charity. Donate leftover food using The California Association of Foodbanks directory . Charities will appreciate your offerings.
Recycle: Rather than dispose of unwanted and harmful items, seek out recycling centers using SF Eco Finder or CA Integrated Waste Management Board (To recycle used electronics utilize Green Citizen or Green Disk . In the office, recycle all paper and ink cartridges. On set, set up a recycling station, clearly marking bins for Recycling, Compost and Landfill. Consider allocating a Green PA, intern or employee to oversee these operations and manage such procedures.

Choose Green
Another easy start is with greening the basics in your immediate surroundings -- your home, office or studio. Here you have the power to select more eco-friendly methods of operation, and set an example. Purchase green paper products and office supplies through Green Office , Waldeck's or Office Depot . Stock your office or the craft service table with healthy, organic items to make a statement. Hire caterers that uses organic and sustainable ingredients, re-usable plates or biodegradable items. For other vendors and shopping needs, search Greenopia or The Green Guide for the best green options available. Remember that by using your purchasing power and vendor selection, you can help make these products and services more readily available and also more affordable.

Create a Green Presence
Is having a green presence important to you and your company? Consider simple ways to show that you support healthy, environmentally friendly alternatives. For example, there are now dozens of green web hosting options available for the same price as your average host. Sources like Web Hosting Geeks rate top green hosts and also explain the importance of this service. Most providers will offer you a badge or icon to use on your website to advertise that you support green hosting, allowing clients and customers to see your choice. A larger task would be to get a green certification showing your company's commitment to being green. Bay Area Green Business Program, San Francisco Green Biz and the California Green Business Program Network all offer services to help you take this leap.

Offset and Giveback
Though our pockets may not be bottomless these days, we can be proactive in how we use our money. If you are a frequent air traveler, cover an extensive amount of work-related mileage or have a large production carbon footprint, neutralize your carbon emissions by purchasing carbon credits or investing in renewable energy. Donate a percentage of your profit to a green charity of choice. Make it known to your clients that you are taking such steps to balance out the necessities and demands of our industry.

Educate Yourself
This should go without saying: taking a greener outlook on your business is a continual process and education. Find ways to stay informed and become better aware of how your studio, production or business can stay on the green side. Take your business or project to the next level and consider utilizing Reel Green Media to assess, advise and educate your company and crew on how to reduce environmental impact and become more sustainable. Use guides like Green the Screen , Environmental Media Association and Greener Photography ,which offer outstanding tips for film, TV and still photography. On a larger scale, NBC Universal Production has created two very informative guides that are very eye-opening to the green production potential. See Green is Universal for Film Guide and
Similarly, Warner Brothers has created a Going Green Production Handbook that is an in depth approach to the greening of a large scale operation. Take it upon yourself, your team and your colleagues to become better educated in order to support change.

Don't let this be a daunting task. The tips, resources and tricks to a greener outlook can be as simple or as proactive as you decide. The ultimate goal is a personal, professional and industry wide awareness toward environmental impact and sustainability. Let's do our part.

About the author…..
Jennifer Bullock Productions is a US/San Francisco based full-service still photography production company. Jenny and her team provide quality project management from concepting through to retouching. She loves to collaborate with creative minds, join together top-notch crews and professionally execute ideas, all while keeping on track, on time and on budget. She’ll take good care of you whatever the job dictates - in our backyard and beyond.
Website: http://www.jenniferbullockproductions.com 831.588.0563

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