Starting Sustainability from Day One

One of the most impactful—and often overlooked—steps toward a sustainable production is simple: start from the very beginning. (As a nature-loving nun named Maria taught us, it’s a very good place to start.) By clearly stating the show's environmental goals at the first design or production meeting, you set the tone for the entire team. Every member of the production, design, and management teams has an important role to play in bringing these goals to life.

Here are some ways to get started:

• Theatre Company, Producer, or Host Organization: From the hiring and onboarding process, make sustainability a priority. Clearly communicate the show's environmental goals and set benchmarks in the budget and production expectations. For example:

• Require that 50% of the set is built using stock materials.

• Require that 70% of the costumes are sourced from second-hand shops or rentals.

• Send all rehearsal and performance reports electronically.

• Allocate extra budget for sourcing second-hand items and picking them up, ensuring funds are spent on reuse rather than new materials.

• Director and Design Team: During early meetings, the director and design team should outline their own environmental goals. This approach helps integrate sustainability into the core of the production, making it an inherent part of the process.

• Plan for the Strike Early: Start talking about the strike on day one. Each item used in the production should have an “end-of-use” plan as part of the design and build phases. Since re-homing items can take time, it’s important to budget upfront for the hours needed to coordinate. Planning ahead can also save on last-minute expenses like hauling, dumpster rentals, and other waste-stream costs.

GO Further with additional resources:

• Green Captain Program

• Making the Case Toolkit

• No Climate Action Without Us: How to Include Disabled People in Live Event Sustainability

GO Further with additional resources:

• BGA National Resource Map

• BGA Collections Guide

• BGA Events Calendar

Sets are one of the most visible sources of waste in theatre, making them a prime opportunity to showcase sustainability in action. By minimizing the use of new materials and focusing on keeping sets out of the landfill at the end of a show, productions can significantly reduce their environmental impact.

Where to Begin: Creating a Sustainable Set Design

From the start, the scenic and carpentry teams (working with production management) should develop a sustainable pre- and post-production plan. During the design and build phase, the team can start by evaluating the environmental impact of the set and the materials being used.

Once the set is evaluated to include as few environment-harming elements as possible, teams should assess the materials being used. The following materials hierarchy charts, created by the Theatre Green Book and Buro Happold, provide a clear decision-making matrix that focuses on making the best choices for the production and planet.

To make sustainable choices more feasible, it’s essential to budget and plan with environmental goals in mind. A few strategies to consider include:

• Set clear sustainability targets: Establish a goal for your production, such as ensuring that no more than 50% of the materials used are new. This gives the team a concrete objective to work toward and encourages creative reuse.

• Assign value to stock items: Place a monetary value on stock materials, treating them as valuable assets. This helps highlight the savings from using existing resources and encourages the team to prioritize stock over new purchases.

• Create a detailed materials budget: Break down the budget into specific categories for stock, used, and new materials. This level of transparency helps track sustainability efforts and ensures that the production team can easily see where savings can be made.

• Reallocate funds wisely: Shift a portion of the budget that would typically go toward purchasing new materials and instead allocate it toward the labor and transportation costs needed to source and collect second-hand materials. This not only reduces the use of new materials but also provides additional work hours and pay.

• Reduce disposal costs: Plan ahead to eliminate or significantly reduce the need for dumpsters. By carefully managing materials from the start, the production can save money on disposal fees while minimizing waste headed for landfills.

• Consider HVAC airflow during scenic planning: Make sure to account for HVAC airflow needs when designing your set. By planning for proper ventilation early on, you can avoid costly and wasteful modifications when the set is installed in the theatre. This foresight also helps optimize energy use for cooling—a major source of carbon emissions in theatres.

• Consult with key personnel early: Involve relevant team members—such as technical directors, production managers, and venue staff—as early as possible in the design process. By collaborating upfront, you can identify potential challenges and address them before they become issues, reducing the likelihood of needing to make changes that create additional waste or require more materials later on.

Strike and End-of-Use Resources

GO Further with additional resources:

• BGA National Resource Map

• Theatre Green Book

• Sustainable Production Toolkit

• Big Reuse, Materials for the Arts, and Final Strike Collaborative

• FSC timber certification information

Props provide another visible opportunity to reduce waste and environmental impact in productions. Like other departments, props should collaborate with Production Management from the beginning to create a sustainable plan for both pre-production and post-production.

Sustainability goals should be reflected in the budget, prioritizing labor and transportation costs for sourcing second-hand materials over purchasing new ones. This not only supports sustainability but also shifts financial focus toward people and labor over materials.

During the rehearsal process, consider miming props instead of introducing them at the start. If rehearsal props are needed, choose items already in stock, or try using the actual props rather than mock-ups.

During the run of the show, implement eco-friendly practices such as storing prop food and perishables in glass tupperware or other reusable containers. When sanitizing dishware, opt for eco-friendly dishwasher detergent or dish soap to reduce environmental impact.

Planning for the post-production phase from the outset allows time to find new homes for props. If your company doesn’t have prop storage, there are many ways to find a new home for the items:

• For theatres in NYC, resources like Big Reuse, Materials for the Arts, and Final Strike Collaborative offer excellent options for prop reuse. 

• For those outside NYC, the BGA’s National Resource Map can help locate local sourcing and reuse groups. Websites like ArtCube, Craigslist, or Facebook Marketplace are also great for repurposing props.

Additionally, schools, community theatres, or other local organizations may be interested in these items. The money saved from avoiding dumpsters or hauling services can be used to cover paid hours for coordinating with these groups.

GO Further with additional resources:

• BGA National Resource Map

• Sustainable Production Toolkit

Focusing on sustainability in the costume and wardrobe departments can have a substantial impact on a production’s overall waste and pollution. The following statistics about the textile industry, as a significant contributor to environmental damage, highlight just how important these efforts are.

According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the textile industry generated 17 million tons of waste in 2018, yet only 14.7 percent of those textiles were recycled. The industry’s environmental footprint is massive, stemming from several key areas:

• Water Use: Producing textiles consumes 93 billion cubic meters of water annually—enough to meet the needs of five million people. For context, it takes about 3,781 liters of water to make just one pair of jeans, considering cotton production, manufacturing, transport, and washing. Additionally, 20% of global industrial water pollution results from dyeing and treating textiles (How Much Do Our Wardrobes Cost to the Environment?).

• Carbon Emissions: The fashion industry is responsible for 10% of annual global carbon emissions—more than all international flights and maritime shipping combined. At its current pace, the industry’s greenhouse gas emissions could rise by more than 50% by 2030 (How Much Do Our Wardrobes Cost to the Environment?).

• Microplastics: Every year, half a million tons of plastic microfibers end up in the ocean, the equivalent of 50 billion plastic bottles. These microfibers cannot be removed from the water and can infiltrate the food chain, causing widespread environmental harm (Environmental Impact of Textile Reuse and Recycling).

Once these initial questions are addressed, the costume and wardrobe teams should work with Production Management to create a comprehensive sustainability plan for both pre-production and post-production.

1. Utilize Existing Stock:
Evaluate your company’s stock—or any available stock you can access—and incorporate as much as possible into your designs. Textile reuse, which extends the life of products by transferring them to new owners (through renting, trading, swapping, borrowing, or inheriting), is a key component. Resources like second-hand shops, flea markets, online marketplaces, and clothing libraries make this easier. Consider whether shopped or stock understudy costumes can be similar to principal costumes, rather than built as exact copies (Environmental Impact of Textile Reuse and Recycling).

2. Source Responsible Materials:
When sourcing new materials, prioritize those that have been produced sustainably. BGA members and designers Hahnji Jang and Azalea Fairley developed a Responsible Sourcing Guide that helps locate eco-friendly fabrics for costume design and personal use.

Eco-Certifications 

When purchasing new materials, keep an eye out for certifications that indicate ethical or sustainable production processes:

• Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS): This rigorous certification covers the entire production process, ensuring textiles are made from organic fibers with sustainable practices.

• Fairtrade Textile Standard: This standard ensures fair wages and working conditions throughout the textile supply chain, particularly for those processing Fairtrade certified cotton and other responsible fibers.

• Rainforest Alliance: Products with this seal are produced using methods that support social, economic, and environmental sustainability.

Sustainable sourcing video learning session

This virtual learning session, “Dress Has Always Been My Greenest Suit: Sourcing Sustainable Costumes and Clothing” was part of our #GreenQuarantine virtual learning series. Watch now on YouTube!

Running the Show

During a show’s run, there are several ways wardrobe teams can reduce their environmental impact:

• Switch to USB Rechargeable Lights: Instead of bite-lites, opt for USB-rechargeable headlamps or neck lights, which are more sustainable and hygienic for quick costume changes backstage.

• Use Eco-Friendly Laundry Detergents: Choose Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) designated Safer Choice detergents, which are free from PFAS and made from the safest ingredients.

• Invest in Energy-Efficient Washers: An ENERGY STAR washer uses 20% less energy and 35% less water than standard models, saving electricity and water while reducing the production’s carbon footprint.

• Wash Clothes in Cold Water: High-efficiency detergents clean effectively in cold water, reducing energy consumption.

• Line Dry When Possible: This practice saves energy and extends the life of costumes.

• Use "High Spin Speed" for Laundry: Maximize the spin speed of dryers to remove excess moisture from clothes, reducing the time and energy needed for drying.

Post-Production Planning

The post-production phase should include a detailed plan for costume disposal. If your company has a stock collection, add reusable items. If not, consider letting actors keep (or buy, at a steep discount) certain pieces, particularly for modern dress shows. Alternatively, connect with other designers or companies to pass on pieces for future productions.

For NYC-based theatres, there are several places that accept worn costumes, fabric scraps, and yardage, such as FABSCRAP, Scenery, Materials for the Arts, Wearable Collections, and the TDF Costume Collection.

For those outside NYC, the BGA maintains a National Resource Map to help locate similar resources in other communities. Specialty recycling programs like TerraCycle can also help recycle personal care and beauty items used during the production.

GO Further with additional resources:

• BGA National Resource Map

• Sustainable Production Toolkit

• Appliance Standards Awareness Project

• ENERGY STAR Washers and Dryers

• NRDC’s Saving Water and Energy through Clothes Washer Replacement

• How Much Do Our Wardrobes Cost to the Environment?

• NYTimes Laundry Guide

To significantly reduce energy use in production, adopting energy-efficient lighting instruments and a sustainable approach to lighting design is essential. With the widespread shift to LED technology, now is an exciting time to capitalize on this momentum and continue to make lighting design more eco-friendly. Here’s how using LEDs can help create a low-emission, low-waste lighting setup:

• Energy Efficiency: LEDs consume only about one-fifth of the energy required to produce the same light output as traditional tungsten or halogen sources, making them a highly efficient option.

• Reduced Heat Output: LEDs generate very little radiant heat, lowering the demand on HVAC systems. This not only saves energy but also extends the life of gels when they’re used, as the lower temperature reduces gel fading.

• Extended Lifespan: LED instruments have a significantly longer lifespan than tungsten or halogen sources—up to 25,000 hours compared to 2,000 hours for halogen lamps. This reduces the frequency of maintenance and relamping, saving both time and resources.

• Color Versatility: LEDs offer advanced color-changing capabilities, with the ability to mix millions of colors instantly. This eliminates the need for multiple light sources or disposable gels, reducing both waste and costs.

• Dynamic White Lighting: Many manufacturers provide “dynamic white” LED fixtures that can shift between warm and cool tones on the Kelvin scale, offering flexibility without the need for additional lighting instruments or materials.

GO Further with additional resources:

• NRDC’s Guide to More Efficient and Money-Saving Light Bulbs

• Theatre Green Book

Reduce waste and minimize environmental impact in your sound department by focusing on two key areas: rechargeable batteries and responsible electronic waste disposal.

Rechargeable Batteries

Switching to rechargeable batteries supports sustainability goals and can result in significant cost savings over time. Rechargeable batteries can be used in various devices essential to the production, including microphones, headlamps, flashlights, and headsets. When sourcing rental packages, ensure rechargeable batteries and charging sleds are included. If not available through rentals, theatres or repertory companies should consider purchasing these items to be reused across multiple productions each season. This reduces the waste generated from single-use batteries and supports long-term sustainability.

Electronic Waste Disposal

With sound technology evolving rapidly, outdated equipment can create significant waste. Developing a post-production plan for the responsible disposal of show-specific or obsolete technology is crucial to ensure old equipment is either upcycled or disposed of in an environmentally responsible way. Coordinating with Production and Stage Management to set up collection bins for electronic waste generated during the show helps to normalize responsible e-waste management.

For New York City-based productions, the Broadway Green Alliance (BGA) offers an electronic waste recycling collection twice a year in Times Square, free of charge to the theatre community. Partnering with 4THBIN, these drives aim to repurpose and reuse as many components and raw materials as possible.

For theatres outside of New York, or for those needing disposal options between these drives, the BGA's National Resource Map can help locate an e-Stewards® Recycler to ensure proper handling of electronic waste.

GO Further with additional resources:

• Lower East Side Ecology E-Waste Recycling

• Staples Recycling Programs

Stage and company management departments can significantly shape the sustainability culture of productions. Eco-friendly practices can be led by these departments, inspiring other departments to prioritize environmental health and safety during rehearsals and performances. 

This video discusses how five-time Tony Award winner, Susan Stroman (The Producers), utilized Stage Write during her Broadway show, Marie, Dancing Still – A New Musical, at all stages of production: in pre-production, rehearsals, and to create an accurate document showing all the moving pieces.

In addition to digitization, stage and company management can encourage less waste in green rooms and during hospitality breaks. Teams can encourage company members to utilize reusable water bottles, coffee mugs, and other food and beverage containers. If reusable is not an option, use single-use cup options that are recyclable and/or compostable within local waste management. Recommended cup materials can be aluminum, paper, bamboo, and other materials depending on the local waste streams. If you need to supply water and there is no source available, opt for canned water, such as Ever & Ever: Still Water or Liquid Death: Still and Sparkling Water. Canned water is preferred over boxed water as aluminum is infinitely recyclable. Companies can gift recycled containers, silverware, etc. for occasions or events, to end up saving single-use items backstage and inspire employees and colleagues to do the same.

Stage and company management have the ability to create a culture of sustainability through action and word. While implementing these strategies themselves, each department can regularly communicate about climate during routine production communication. They can also support other departments’ efforts by making room for notices on the callboard or in emails, helping to find space in the theatre for upcycling or recycling collection bins, and providing opportunities for continued education around sustainable theatre practice.

GO Further with additional resources:

• How to Create a Paperless Sign-In Sheet for Theatrical Productions

Musicians and performers can have a significant impact on enhancing the sustainability of a production through both physical actions and communication. By taking deliberate steps, you can help reduce waste and energy consumption, and raise awareness about the importance of sustainable practices in theatre.

For musicians, some ways to make a tangible impact include:

For performers, some ways to make a tangible impact include:

GO Further with additional resources:

• BGA National Resource Map

• Sustainable Production Toolkit

Touring productions present distinct challenges when it comes to sustainability. Due to the current state of infrastructure in many regions, it is often not possible to choose the most environmentally friendly travel and transportation methods. Flying and trucking are frequently the only feasible ways to reach certain areas. In response, touring companies can take meaningful action by advocating for improvements in green infrastructure. Utilize organizations like the League of Conservation Voters and NRDC to vet candidates and support legislation that improve and expand electric and rail transportation options.

For trucking needs, many productions already participate in Clark Transfer’s Touring Green Initiative, which offsets the carbon footprint of transporting theatrical scenery, equipment, and instruments across the country.

Touring company members can also implement sustainable practices at each venue:

• Reach out to venue staff to learn about available recycling and composting options. Share this information with the team by posting notices on the callboard or announcing the local rules during the first company meeting.

• Use the BGA National Resource Map to find additional local resources, including recycling facilities, compost services, and sustainable stores.

• Reuse directional signage to avoid the need for new printed signs at each location.

• Designate as much road box space as possible to pack reusable items, reducing reliance on single-use items like water bottles, coffee cups, and utensils.

GO Further with additional resources:

• BGA National Resource Map

• Sustainable Production Toolkit

• The Touring Green Initiative 

• Clark Transfer

• NativeEnergy

With an extra special thanks to the Theatre Green Book.