Download Green Captain - Broadway Green Alliance

What is a Green Captain and what do they do?
First of all, anyone at all can be a Green Captain (GC). You may recognize the names of
some of our recent GCs on Broadway: Hugh Dancy (VENUS IN FUR), Carol Kane
(HARVEY), ALAN CUMMING (MACBETH), Keith Reddin (VANYA, SONIA, etc). But of
course we have many GCs who you have not heard of -- yet.
The idea of a Green Captain is to have one person involved with a production or venue who
is the go-to person for questions, ideas, issues, or problems about green or environmental
things. This can be as simple as encouraging everyone to have and use a re-usable water
bottle or as difficult as working with your House Manager to make a list of all lighting
instruments that might be ready for a more energy-efficient bulb.
One good way to start is to find a section of the call-board that can be a “green-board.” This
section will hold all notices about green things like the theatre’s recycling rules, BGA
collection events, the monthly eco-tips that we send out, and any green notes of your liking.
The best thing is to grab your cast and crew’s attention (like for 3 minutes before rehearsals
start or when a company announcement is coming) and let them know about you and this
program and find out what interests them. There may be something and, if not, ask them if
they own a re-usable bag, or how many landfills there are in NYC to get their attention and
then go on your merry way doing all of the things on our better practices list.
Another important piece of advice is to be in touch. Come meet other GCs, email our head
GC for advice or encouragement, or visit a successful GCs own backstage.
Top Ten Goals of a Broadway Green Captain
1.) Inform and Educate the cast and company about ways to be green.
Post Eco-tips on the callboard and pass along info to the cast and crew.
2.) Inspire your show to Reduce Waste.
Convince your production to provide mugs versus disposable cups and ask
everyone to use reusable water bottles, recycled paper, and used binders.
3.) Inspire your show to Recycle as much as possible.
Make sure there are recycling bins backstage and in the rehearsal studios and
double check the correct recycling signage is posted. Take part in one of the BGA’s
dozens of collection programs.
4.) Communicate with other departments.
Make sure the sound, lighting, props, stage management, wardrobe, make-up and
performers are all doing what they can to make the show sustainable.
5.) Investigate and Implement more sustainable choices.
Encourage others to make purchases for the show with knowledge of what greener
products to buy.
6.) Ask Questions!
The BGA is first and foremost a resource. Ask us about ANYTHING! We are here
to help.
7.) Report your success.
Tell us what your show has done so we can share with the rest of the Broadway
community.
8.) Become Involved in the BGA.
Check the website for donation drives, meetings, and events. The BGA has lots of
great activities continually going on.
9.) Follow Up.
Follow up with your cast, crew, and departments to make sure all your goals are
being reached.
10.) Continue on after the show.
Take the knowledge and passion and continue on at home and with the next show
you work on. Inspire others to do the same.
GREEN CAPTAIN
CHECKLIST FOR BETTER PRACTICES
COMPANY AWARENESS & IMPLEMENTATION
 Beginning with the first call to the actors and staff regarding schedule and
location of rehearsals, let them know that greener practices will be incorporated
into the production.
 Ask your stage manager if you can have five minutes at the first rehearsal to talk
to the cast about different ways that green practices will be implemented.
 Provide the use of mugs instead of disposable cups for water and coffee.
 Offer the use of re-usable bottles instead of disposables for water bottles (suggest
to your producers/GM’s that water bottles with the show logo make a great first
rehearsal gift!).
 Ensure that the cast/staff have labels for water bottles and mugs, as well as access
to natural/organic dish washing solution.
 Explain that RECYCLING IS MANDATORY and ensure that recycling bins
are set up in convenient areas.
 POST NOTICES by all light switches (especially in bathrooms) reminding
people to turn off the lights when they leave a room – personalize with your show
logo!
 PRINT paperwork on either post-consumer recycled or scrap paper, and use
both sides whenever possible.
 Encourage company members and crew to ask to receive their notices by email
instead of by hard copy.
 Use TISSUES made with a high percentage of post-consumer recycled content
(go to NRDC.org/paper for a list of environmentally preferable tissue products).
 Encourage the company to recycle their payroll envelopes – offer a place for
company members to return their envelopes to company management.
 Use POWER STRIPS and TURN OFF all computers, printers, sound systems,
and any other electronic equipment that you have in rehearsal at the end of the
day.
 CONTROL the air conditioning that you need for rehearsal, and make sure it is
turned off at the end of the day.
 Use CFLs instead of regular light bulbs wherever you can.
CONTINUING AWARENESS (in the theatre)
 When a production moves into their performance space, remind the cast that
most of the better green practices will continue in their new space.
 Point out recycling areas during the initial backstage tours.
 Make sure cast members know where their mugs and bottles are located in the
theatre.
Once again, ensure that the cast has labels for their mugs and bottles, as well
as access to natural/organic dish washing solution.
 POST strategically placed reminders in dressing rooms and throughout the
building for the following:
1. Turn off the lights when you leave the room.
2. Turn off the A/C when you leave the room.
3. Unplug all appliances and chargers when they are not in use.
4. Turn off your computer if you are not using it.
REDUCING PAPER WASTE

Keep minimum advance storage of program inserts or print inserts on an asneeded basis

If you must store inserts, print 6 per page instead of 4 per page.

If you can print your own stuffers, compile entire listing on one half-sheet
page.

Use only 100% recycled paper, with a goal of post-consumer content of 30%.

Print on the back of scrap paper whenever possible.

Use old inserts and stuffers as note pads/scratch pads.

Use both sides of the paper on spiral notebooks or legal pads.
DEPARTMENTAL EFFORTS
WARDROBE:

Use eco-friendly detergents (go to NRDC.org/greeningadvisor for a list of
supplies)

Wash clothes in cold water.

Air-dry clothes whenever possible.

Reuse old t-shirts as rags.
SOUND:
 Use rechargeable batteries whenever possible
 Recycle partially use batteries – make them available to company members
CARPENTRY/PROPS:
 Consider environmentally-sound versions of paints, glues, solvents, etc.
 Properly dispose of hazardous liquids, such as paint, paint thinners, glues, etc.
LONG RUNNING SHOWS
 Meet with the entire company to discuss the implementation of these better
practices, and point out all recycling areas in the building.
 Post reminders for the company throughout the building.
 Make a “green” package to hand out to new company members along with
their welcome package, along with a water bottle AND mug for each, and
make sure they are aware of where the recycling areas are; include a list of the
ways that the company is trying to reduce their carbon footprint.

GENERAL
 Implement green practices in administrative offices.
 Check the BGA website for templates to assist in the above initiatives, or check
NRDC’s Greening Advisor at www.nrdc.org/greeningadvisor for additional
information.
Please Post this page
What is it?
The Broadway Green Alliance (BGA) is an industry-wide initiative to educate,
motivate and inspire the theatre community and its patrons to adopt
environmentally-friendlier practices in theatre production and everyday life. Did
you know the BGA helped change all of the lights on Broadway to energyefficient ones?! The BGA also helps venues to use greener housecleaning
products; encourages shows to use rechargeable batteries; encourages all shows
to reduce, reuse, and recycle; and works to keep scenery and props out of
landfills. The BGA also runs a binder exchange program, does free textile and
electronic waste recycling and helps the Tony Awards get greener. Join today
and help green Broadway.
What does this mean for you and our show?
Here are 10 things everyone can do to help Broadway go green:
1. Use mugs instead of paper cups for coffee.
2. Use reusable water bottles instead of disposable cups for water.
3. Turn off the lights when you leave your dressing room or a restroom.
4. Turn off the air conditioning and any electronic equipment in your dressing
room.
5. Recycle paper, plastic and glass products, including your paycheck envelope.
6. Ask your sound department about switching to rechargeable batteries.
7. Ask your stage manager and press rep to give you all information digitally via
email instead of hard copies of schedules, contact sheets, calendars, and memos.
8. When you order food for delivery, tell them you don’t need utensils and all
those napkins. Keep a set of silverware in your dressing room for meals
between shows.
9. Share any green ideas with your fellow company members!
10. __________________________ is the BGA Green Captain on this
production – please go to them with any ideas you have about making this
company more green or to ask any questions you may have.
JOIN THE BGA at www.broadwaygreen.com
OR TEXT BGA to 99222
Please pass this letter on to the Wardrobe Department
165 West 46 Street – Suite 1312 NYC 10036 Tel: (646) 454-5722
th
Attention, Wardrobe Department
I am contacting you on behalf of the BROADWAY GREEN ALLIANCE (BGA),
Broadway’s environmental initiative. I want to offer suggestions and assistance in
setting up your show in the most environmentally responsible manner. Here are a
couple of things to think about.
 Please consider using environmentally friendly detergents when doing show
laundry, as well as cold water wash when appropriate.
 Many items can be recycled in addition to paper, glass and metal. Most plastic
bottles can be recycled (in with glass), and #5 plastics (yogurt and deli
containers, etc.) can be collected and recycled at any Whole Foods. Plastic bottle
caps can be collected for Aveda’s recycling program. The BGA even collects
wine corks which are sent to TerraCycle to be repurposed.
 Finally, if you have clothing or accessories that won’t be used or stored, please
don’t forget the Wearable Collections bin located at the Local 764 offices and at
the BGA office at Broadway Cares. They will accept clothes, shoes, linens, and
items such as bags & belts –even things that are stained or torn.
Now, I know you have a lot to take care of for your show, but we are trying to
include all departments in our efforts to make Broadway green. Your show also
has a Green Captain –BGA ambassadors for each show-- who will be organizing
things backstage and in the dressing rooms.
It would be terrific to get your department involved from the beginning!
Please feel free to contact me or the BGA coordinator, Rebekah Sale
([email protected]), with any questions, suggestions or if you need any
assistance with our recycling programs.
Laurel Parrish
917-734-2740
[email protected]
Please pass this letter to the Hair and Make-Up Department
165 West 46 Street – Suite 1312 NYC 10036 Tel: (646) 454-5722
th
Attention, Hair & Make-up Departments
I am contacting you on behalf of the BROADWAY GREEN ALLIANCE (BGA), Broadway’s
environmental initiative. I want to offer suggestions and assistance about recycling for your
show so that it will have the least negative impact on our planet.
Did you know that you can recycle all packaging from any brand of products used on skin, face
& hair at all Origins shops? I have conditioned my cast (and many crew members, too!) to bring
me all such packaging, which I then take to Origins to recycle. (There is an Origins conveniently
located one shuttle stop away at Grand Central Terminal) You’d be astounded at the impact
you can have!
Now, I know you have a lot to take care of for your show, but we are trying to include all
departments in our efforts to make Broadway green. Your show also has a Green Captain –BGA
ambassadors for each show-- who will be organizing things backstage and in the dressing
rooms.
It would be terrific to get your department involved from the beginning.
Will you please help me green-up Broadway?
Please call me at 646-641-4604 and let me know if I can count on you, and don’t hesitate to
speak to your Green Captain or to the BGA Coordinator, Rebekah Sale
([email protected]), with any questions or suggestions.
Thanks!
Elizabeth Cohen
Makeup Supervisor
THE LION KING
Since 2008, the Broadway Green Alliance, an industry-wide initiative that educates, motivates
and inspires the entire theatre community and its patrons to implement environmentally
friendlier practices, has been helping Broadway get greener.
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
We have worked to change all of the lights on Broadway to energy-efficient LED and
CFLs. That’s over 100,000 actual bulbs and saves over 700 tons of carbon each year.
There is a BGA liaison, or Green Captain, at nearly all of the shows currently running on
Broadway. They bring our green message backstage.
Most theatre venues now use greener housecleaning materials prepared in efficient
concentration stations that re-use cleaning bottles.
Shows are now washing costumes in energy efficient washers (generously donated by
LG Electronics) that save enough energy to light the outside and marquee lights for
nearly two months.
Most shows now use rechargeable batteries in microphones and flashlights, keeping
thousands of toxic disposable batteries from the waste stream every month. It is easy,
saves money, and is better for the environment.
Some shows use water filtration systems and most use reusable bottles backstage;
keeping tens of thousands of plastic water bottles out of the waste stream.
We are working to keep almost 90% of scenery out of landfills when shows close by
reusing or recycling what otherwise would be thrown away.
The BGA holds electronic-waste and textile recycling events twice a year–free and open
to all –in Times Square. Check our website for the next one.
The BGA operates a free binder exchange (in our office at Broadway Cares and at Actors’
Equity) where anyone can pick-up or drop-off binders for use in readings and rehearsals.
This keeps binders out of the waste stream and encourages re-use.
We are working to make the Tony Awards greener. They now use a recycled carpet and
hybrid limousines for guests and even greener changes are due next year.
Touring production respondents reported recycling programs and green product use at
over 80% of theatres. The Touring Green program has offset over 10,000 tons of carbon
through Native Energy.
The BGA has collaborated with Mayor Bloomberg’s office to be part of the citywide
green efforts and has joined the Mayor’s Carbon Challenge.
Broadway Theatres have participated in Earth Hour for the past four years by dimming
marquee lights from 8:30-9:30pm and encouraging all employees to drastically limit
their energy usage for that hour.
Many of the theatrical industry labor unions are joining Broadway’s efforts to become
more sustainable by assisting in the implementation of better practices and
participating in committee activities.
The BGA has reached tens of thousands of fans through Facebook, twitter, you tube and other
media. For more information go to BroadwayGreen.com or email [email protected]
165 West 46th Street – Suite 1312
New York, NY 10036
(646) 454-5722
(212) 840-0551 (fax)
GREEN CAPTAIN INFORMATION SHEET:
Please fill in the following information (print clearly), and return to Rebekah Sale
at the above fax number
Show: ________________________________________________
Theatre: ______________________________________________
Green Captain: ________________________________________
Email address: ________________________________________
Phone contact #: ______________________________________
POSITION
NAME
Stage Manager
General Manager
Company Manager
House Manager
Tech Director
Wardrobe Supervisor
Makeup Supervisor
Press Agent
EMAIL ADDRESS
www.broadwaygreen.com
PHONE NUMBER
TerraCycle Brigades
Brigade
Accepted
Cleaner Packaging
Pumps, Trigger, Pouches, flexible cleaner product packaging
Inkjet
Inkjet Cartridges
Personal Care and Beauty
lipstick cases, mascara tubes, eye shadow cases, shampoo bottles,
conditioner bottles, bronzer cases, foundation packaging, body wash
containers, soap tubes, soap dispensers, lotion dispensers, shaving foam
tubes (no cans), powder cases, lotion bottles, chap stick tubes, lotion
tubes, face soap dispensers, face soap tubes, face lotion bottles, face
lotion jars, eyeliner cases, eyeliner pencils, eyeshadow tubes, concealer
tubes, concealer sticks, lip liner pencils, hand lotion tubes, hair gel tubes,
hair paste jars. Please Note: hair spray cans, nail polish bottles and
nail polish remover bottles ARE NOT acceptable.
Toner Cartridge Brigade
Brother:
TN420,DR420,TN450,DR620,DR350,DR360,DR500,DR520,TN330,DR50
0,DR510, TN550,TN580
Canon: E-16, 120
Dell: 1815DN, 2335, 3110, 3115, 3130
Most HP cartridges
Lexmark:Optra T630, Optra T632, E120, T640,
T642, T644, T420, T650
Panasonic:UG – 5510, UG – 5520, UG-3350
Xerox:N4525/W820 Fuser, Docuprint 4525
Apple:M58936/A
Writing Instruments Pens, pen caps, mechanical pencils, markers, marker caps, highlighters, highlighter
caps, permanent markers, permanent markers caps.
Cork
***SUSPENDED AS OF 6/13. BRING TO BGA OFFICE (1560 Broadway, 13th Floor)
Candy Wrapper Individual candy wrappers, large candy bags, and multi-pack candy bags.
Please go to Terracycle.net or write to [email protected] for more information
Please post on trash cans around the theatre
Please be aware that all trash and recycling collected from this
theatre is taken to a Materials Recovery Facility for a post-collection
sorting; metal, glass, plastic, plastic film and paper are taken out and
recycled. This is not the case with residential recycling in New York
City (your recycling at home must be sorted before it is collected). For
any questions regarding this or any other green issue, please see your
Green Captain, ____________________ or contact the Broadway Green
Alliance at [email protected].
Please be aware that all trash and recycling collected from this
theatre is taken to a Materials Recovery Facility for a post-collection
sorting; metal, glass, plastic, plastic film and paper are taken out and
recycled. This is not the case with residential recycling in New York
City (your recycling at home must be sorted before it is collected). For
any questions regarding this or any other green issue, please see your
Green Captain, ____________________ or contact the Broadway Green
Alliance at [email protected].