PRINCIPLES
PLAN SUSTAINABLY
When starting a production process, you may find yourself wanting to be eco-conscious, but having 101 other things on your plate. It’s easy for sustainability to feel too overwhelming or difficult, but there are ways you can prioritise sustainability so it feels manageable, and do the work of getting your show on.
GAME PLANS
Proper planning is your best chance of removing headaches later down the track.
Come up with some goals as a team that feel achievable for your production.
Use sustainability as a starting point during creative development. Try to think of it as a creative parameter, rather than an obstacle.
Divide and conquer, and delegate areas of supervision. It will be more difficult without a lil’ help from your friends.
Estimate what your unavoidable emissions footprint will be, and consider putting aside a portion of the budget towards donating to a carbon offset scheme.
Track all your materials and their end-of-show procedures from the start using our Materials Inventory Template.
DO MORE WITH LESS
Without mincing words, climate action necessitates curbing our consumption patterns.
At the outset ask “How can we achieve our vision with as little as possible?”
Decide what in your creative vision is absolutely necessary and what you would be willing to compromise on, or what can be achieved through other means.
KNOW YOUR LIMITATIONS
Sometimes the most sustainable option just isn’t feasible.
Spend some time at the outset of your planning thinking about the time, resources, person-power, and expertise available to you, and what you have capacity for.
It is okay to start small; a sustainable arts practice is a journey.
PAY THE RENT
Prioritise Access & inclusion
We are on Stolen Land.
First Nations people and perspectives are fundamental to finding a sustainable and just co-existence with our natural environment. We suggest considering putting aside some budget to contribute to organisations like Pay The Rent or First Nations climate action groups like Seed Indigenous Youth Climate Network.
Sustainability actions should never exclude people and should never put anyone in harm's way.
Consider how particular changes to established ‘ways of working’ or social norms may impact people particularly those who are culturally and linguistically diverse, First Nations or People of Colour, and people with disabilities.
Consult with your team regarding any changes that may impact the team’s safety or well-being. For instance, road trips may be more eco-friendly for interstate tours, but is it safe and healthy for the performers?
Be open to feedback, and ask for your team and audience’s experience of the changes. Ensure to seek out a plurality of voices and lived experiences in the planning and implementation phases.