Alo Sportswear

So I know this is a blog all about theater but is there an actor out there that isn't also interested in perfecting their bodies? To be in pristine condition to perform the body, mind, and voice must all be in synch. So why not bring your interest in environmental awareness to your workout as well? Alo Sportswear has thought of everything. Cool clothing made from bamboo, modal, and organic cotton. They have yoga wear and outerwear to keep you warm on your way to class. In addition their LA headquarters has solar panels to cut down on their carbon footprint. All of a sudden I can't wait to get to the gym.

Paint

Something I don't think has been mentioned a lot since I hadn't heard of it before is paint and its harmful affects on the environment. Leftover paint can account for more than 60% of material collected at household hazard waste collection programs. If you have measured your space accurately and you only purchased paint you will use then wonderful. But if you have some leftover why not donate to organizations that might need it more than the landfill? So why not think outside the can and reuse or donate leftover paint to organizations that really need it like...struggling theater companies.

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How to Dispose of Paint

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Home of the Wriggler

Edinburgh. Home of the innovative and interesting and this piece does not disappoint. From Stan's Cafe they are calling it an eco-legend. It takes place sometime in the future when oil has long been gone and cars and machinery are the things of stories and so distant in the past that no one can really remember them at all. Home of the Wriggler brings an onstage bike that has been engineered so the cast may power their own lights and sound. They constructed the text from dozens of interviews and personal stories from employees of a former car manufacturing plant that is now shut down. How interesting. How thoughtful. How scary. Doesn't seem like that future is that far away, does it?

Dumpster Swimming Pools for Urban Renewal

Summer in NYC. It's hot, sticky and frankly a little stinky at times. And that's why it is so important to cool off! From the minds of Macro-Sea comes dumpster swimming pools! They are cleaned and lined and the pool water is even filtered just like a real pool. There are cabanas, grills and a bocce ball court.

The idea was to create an urban oasis with underused space and materials and to repurpose and reuse already existing materials all in the name of urban renewal. Due to the economy, construction is down so there are quite a few unused dumpsters lying around...what a way to rethink outside the box to come up with a spa in an unused parking lot? In addition, they are using the space for private performances such as bands and movies...wouldn't it be great to get a live performance of theater in that space?

Wish you could take a dip? Mum is the word on the exact location and it is invite only so the crowds will stay at bay. What a great reason to shout from the rooftops, "I LOVE NEW YORK!"

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Green MO'OLELO

I know some of you out there scoff at the idea that theater exists outside NYC. But, I am here to tell you it's true, it not only exists but is often exciting, innovative and refreshing theater. Check out Mo`olelo Performing Arts Company in sunny San Diego. They are not only focused on spearheading original work using all types of performance, but they have published a Green Theater Categories & Sustainable Guidelines Checklist for ALL companies to use. In it they include options for marketing, waste management, water management, energy management and more!

Not only can you use their website for guidance but they are open to answering your email inquiries and offer to give advice for any artist looking for sustainable practices. AND they are currently doing research to develop tools to measure the environmental impact of theater on communities so that the industry can make better choices! Follow their updates on their blog. This is definitely a company to admire and support. Who knew? Way to go San Diego!

Related Article

Interview with Seema Sueko of Mo`olelo at DramaBiz

The Broadway Green Alliance

I know I mentioned this in my previous entry but there is so much juicy information I had to write about it again.  The Broadway Green Alliance (BGA) established in 2008, with the blessing of Mayor Bloomberg and Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), has a wonderful program to encourage all Broadway productions to reduce their carbon footprint.  They even have an entire page dedicated to tips you can relay to your cast and crew with really spot on talking points.  With suggestions like the use of email for messages and information, reducing bottled water by encouraging mugs or eco-friendly bottles, the use of recycled paper, etc. with goals for next year and goals for five years.  Now that's a plan to work on!  

The part I thought was the most interesting was that in all of the suggestions communication with cast and crew were the most important.  Highlighting reasons why choices were made so that others might become more aware and then in turn pass along what they have learned.  And you thought Broadway was all about making money...it seems everyone is deeply interested in saving our environment.

9 to 5 The Musical Has Gone GREEN!

It seems that The Broadway League, the national trade association for the Broadway industry, began a campaign called Broadway Goes Green, now called The Broadway Green Alliance and those crazy folks at 9 To 5 The Musical have taken it to heart. Going green from the beginning, they even have a contest to see whose office is the most green and if you win you get free tickets to the show.  In addition, Seventh Generation signed on for sponsorship and provided them with handsoap and detergent backstage (what a great way to cross market!)  they changed out light bulbs for more efficient lighting and started using rechargeable batteries for mics.    So now is your chance to see some great theater and feel good about the environment.  Who cares if it's a marketing ploy?  They got me hooked at green.