So, here's an update on the produce situation at Trader Joe's. In case you haven't read about this, one my readers responded to an article I wrote on improving Craft Services. He/She observantly brought up that much of their produce are pre-packaged in plastic containers. So, I wrote to Trader Joe's about the issue. Their response was pretty PC as to be expected. But upon further correspondence I did learn they are planning to use packaging made of corn oil that is compostable. They couldn't offer a list of produce that will have this available, but the items will be stamped with "Natureworks." Keep your eyes peeled at the store.

She's crafty, She gets around

Red licorice, granola bars, Frito Lay’s variety pack. We’re supposedly artists, right? Creative types? If I have to look at one more value pack from Costco, I’m going to gouge my eye out. I think it’s a huge misconception that it’s cheaper to buy products in bulk. Especially when only half of that food gets eaten. Do I really have to give you the starving children line?

I know it’s sometimes considered a shit job, but Craft Services is one of the most important jobs on set. Let's not forget that the title does indicate that there is an element of craft to it. So, get creative.

1. Buy organic
I know it’s a little more expensive. But if you live in Los Angeles Trader Joe’s is a fantastic resource. They also have stores in several states in the US. I swear that my grocery bill is much cheaper when I buy from there than from a huge grocery chain. You’ll find tastier and healthier options like pita chips and hummus or chips and guacamole, ready to eat. If you’re feeling really ambitious, you can schedule around the multitude of Farmer’s Markets in LA.

2. Buy for the day
Instead of buying for the whole shoot, buy for a few days. This is where you’ll save in the long run for buying organic products. You’ll get an idea of what items are popular and what people are begging for. By preventing from buying too much food you’ll save some bucks at the end of the shoot.

3. Buy biodegradable or recycled supplies
Make sure your plates, napkins, paper towels and trash bags are recycled and/or biodegradable. Seventh generation which is available at most major grocery chains offers 100% Recycled paper products and 80% recycled large trash bags. Chinet also provides 100% recycled paper plates that are also biodegradable. Trader Joe’s also provides their own line of recycled paper goods.
4. Hire caterers with reusable plates and cutlery
If your production can afford Caterers, make sure to ask them if they provide reusable Plates and Utensils instead of disposables.

5. Provide clearly marked trash cans and recycle bins
I can’t reiterate this enough. Sometimes the easiest thing to be eco-conscious is to make it easy for your crew to be. They’ve got enough to worry about throughout the day, so don’t make them use up any of those much needed brain cells to find the recycle bin.
And if you want to be really REALLY OCD, provide a clearly marked compost bin during meals, for any uneaten food.

6. Donate leftovers
There are several organizations out there that will take uneaten catering or non-perishables such as Feeding America and Angel Harvest. If you know of any others in your neck of the woods, please let me know and I’ll post it on the site.

sprinkles

Who knew you could eat a cupcake AND be green? Sprinkles cupcakes are committed to their community and their environment. All their "silverware," napkins, boxes, plates, and shopping bags are environmentally friendly.
Treat your cast and crew to some yummy goodness.
I want CAKE!

Synthetic Polymerized Receptacle of H20 Syndrome

Does this photograph look familiar? Are you often left with several half-empty, unclaimed water bottles at the end of a shoot day? Are some of these water bottles even nearly full? You and your colleagues could be suffering from SPRHS, or Synthetic Polymerized Receptacle of H20 Syndrome. This condition is more commonly known as the Bottled Water Scam.

The waste of bottled water on set is probably the issue that crawls under my skin the most. Recently, I started bringing a reusable bottle to set. I simply filled it with water from my tap the night before, and stuck it in the fridge for ice cold water in the morning. In case you missed it, yes, I did say it. From my T-A-P. TAP! Gasp in horror. Go right ahead. There is a fabulous article on treehugger.com detailing how water bottle companies have pulled the wool over our eyes for years. That Dasani, a Coca-Cola company, even puts salt in their water to make it taste better. Well, I have news for you. Perfectly clean, sodium-free water actually gets delivered directly to your kitchen at almost no cost to you. And for all you OCD’s out there (me included) you can easily buy a Brita or PUR filter that goes directly onto your faucet. The great thing about bringing your own water bottle is that you're always able to keep track of it throughout the day.

Bitchy Production Designer: “Who left their green water bottle with the pink flowers on the HOT SET?!?!?!

Awesome Clapper Loader: “OOOOH. OOOH. That’s mine, thank you.”

As the Producer, provide your eco-conscious crew members with a refillable station at the Craft Services table like this Coleman cooler.



Make sure your PAs fill it with water AND ice, to ensure ice cold water on set.

One thing I suggest, specifically for feature-length projects, is to purchase canteens or reusable bottles for your crew members instead of buying them the requisite souvenir T-Shirts. By passing them out at the beginning of production, you are sending your crew members the message that you intend to be a Green set. Klean Kanteen provides canteens with your personalized logo on them. The beauty of a canteen is that it keeps cooler longer, and no nasty plastic toxins seeping into your water.



My Alma Mater Loyola Marymount University went completely Green by providing their students with canteens and installing more water fountains on campus. If a campus of 8,972 can change their water-consumption lifestyle, I’m sure we could handle a crew of 20 to 50.

That being said, I know there needs to be at least some source of water for the degenerates or day players. So, at the very least, keep a few water bottles in that cooler and, most importantly, a Sharpie tied to the handle as a friendly reminder to keep track of their bottle.