09th Nov2010

e is a terrible thing to waste

by Faisal

Drop off and pick up service.

As I mentioned in a previous entry, I am concerned about my filmmaking’s impact on the environment. I’ve been thinking about electronics and garbage recently because my old 1996 TV has finally decided to give up on life, and I need to figure out what to do with it. Of course, in a way I am happy because after years of shooting HD I am finally thinking about buying a TV capable of showing those images properly. Only thinking of buying mind you, as there is no way I can afford such a luxury right now.

That said, I try not to replace computers or electronics too often also because I know I don’t want it to end up in a landfill.  I actually still have the powerbook 150 my dad bought me in 1996 sitting in a closet.  This same vintage JVC tv on the other hand needs to be disposed of some way, and as opposed to just throwing it on the sidewalk, I am determined to find out where I can bring it so it doesn’t end up trashed and polluting our waterways with more lead and mercury among other things.  What I found was this place: PCRecycle.

The business recycles computers mainly I gather, but other e-waste like printers, scanners, monitors, and of course, televisions.  The best thing is they don’t end up shipping it out to third world countries, which often gets boatloads of this kind of junk – and children end up tearing it up and selling what they can find that is valuable. Needless to say, those kids (and adults) are exposed to terrible toxins, and the parts that aren’t easily sellable are just chucked in a pile.  A very, very large toxic pile, as I have seen in Bangladesh and heard of in many other poor countries.

Even local first world businesses can be guilty of saying they are recycling, but actually burning plastics and other materials to get to the valuable metals (gold, copper, etc) and letting many unhealthy gasses into the environment. I suppose, I like everything, do your research and don’t be so cheap you won’t pay a few buck to properly dispose of an object.

So please, if you are throwing something away that has electronic components, think about bringing it to a place like this in your community. With all of our gadgets becoming obsolete so quickly nowadays, it is a growing problem, and one we can easily deal with sooner rather than later.  It’d be nice if things lasted longer (although I can hardly complain about my 1996 tv) but that is another topic for another day.

Category : carbon friendly, recycling
26th Jul2010

Making films can be environmentally disastrous

by Faisal

Mother Nature is not a Garbage Dump (photo: Faisal Lutchmedial)

It’s something I think about, and something that worries me.  But its very hard to be carbon neutral / environmentally friendly when you are making a movie, even when you’re making a small movie (or perhaps it’s even harder when you’re making a smaller movie).

The fact of the matter is that a lot of energy, time, and resources are put into films, and the process is difficult as it is without worrying about catering packaging, recycling, paper use, or the impact of using bottled water at all.  I try to avoid waste and excess packaging in life, even when it is recyclable.  Sometimes I feel as though making one film in a year negates all of my attempted environmentalism.  It’s the nature of the beast.  Its a short term company, intensely making a short term project.  You don’t have an office where there are regular recycling programs,  water fountains, fridges, kitchens with washable cutlery, etc.  Sometimes its like being in a hotel with single serving everything, just it is the whole crew, and sometimes on top of that you are actually staying in a hotel.

We’re doing our best, trying to keep the catering packaging to a minimum, bringing our own dishes, forks, and knives, recycling (although using bottled water isn’t great, I know), and carpooling.  To be honest the carpooling is more convenience than conscientiousness, so I am not ready to give us points for that.  The massive amounts of energy consumed for lights doesn’t give us environmental awards either, but at the very least Hydro Quebec is carbon friendly.  I’ve actually fantasized about having an iPad because I could read and edit and read scripts, look at storyboards, schedules, notes, rushes, location photos, (the list goes on) without having to print them up.  But then, I also try to limit my technology purchasing because of the high price of coltan. From my understanding though, Apple has been a leader in making tech more recyclable, which is great.

After all this thought has gone into film set conscientious consuming, when the production of my film begins in a couple of days I am going to shut that part of my brain off and try to make the best movie I can.  So, have we done enough?

Category : carbon friendly, film, recycling