Green Policy

Save the World logo

No planets have been harmed in the making of this media project.

That's what we'd like to be the result. The world has enough carbon emissions to deal with without our current projects making things worse.

Digital Voice for Communities donates volunteer time to climate change awareness-raising…click through for info on our projects.

As an organisation we are working towards carbon neutral status in all our activities. We ask everyone involved in our projects to read these guidelines and do everything possible to keep our use of energy to a minimum.

This doesn't just cover our production approach – the things we do in our day-to-day lives also make a huge difference. If you have ideas to add, please let us know, we'd welcome them. Longer term we'd like to do business with other organisations that share our aims so if you know of any, we'd be delighted to have the details.

The overall guidance – most important at the top - is:

  • reject (don't buy new things unless vital)
  • renew (try to repair or extend the life of goods)
  • reuse (wash it out and use again)
  • recycle (avoid landfill where humanly possible)

We use freegle for equipment and office goods and encourage others to use it. We were pleased to take part in the BBC report on Freecycle which is now featured on the organisation's own website, and regularly disseminate information about the local version of this, the freegle website.

TRAVEL

Locations, rekkies, production meetings….try to travel by foot or bicycle; if not then public transport; if a car has to be used try to minimise emissions through following advice to keep emissions as low as possible. Check out The Energy Saving Trust Travel Section.

These guidelines include: never leave the engine idling; avoid air con; keep types well inflated; don’t carry unnecessary weight; accelerate and decelerate slowly; keep below 50 mph.

It goes without saying…avoid flights! If you can manage it, sign The Gold Pledge…if you’re not there yet, The Silver Pledge.

PRODUCTION EQUIPMENT

Use cameras, edit kit etc for the minimum time. Avoid standby. Turn monitor lumination strengths down as far as possible. Avoid lighting – select locations with natural light; use reflectors; avoid night time shoots unless vital. Seek to influence facilities providers to switch to energy suppliers who use renewable sources. Ensure mobile phone rechargers are switched off when not in use. Use evaluated tape stock.

EATING/ DRINKING

Always ask for tap water – if anyone tries to force you to get bottled water, make an official complaint (in the nicest possible way!) Seek out locally-provided food. If you grow your own, bring for meals during the day – and we’d like to pay you to bring for others as well! Use re-usable containers for food and drinks rather than throwaway bags, cans etc. Reject packaging – if it’s made unavoidable, always complain and ask for this to be passed on to senior management. Consider vegetarian options – it has a bigger impact than you’d believe! If the world went vegetarian, it would reduce carbon emissions by a quarter!

OFFICE HABITS + THE WAY WE ARE ORGANISED

Use envelopes again, and the other side of paper- make clear to people this is what you are doing so they might catch the habit as well Use energy efficient light bulbs Recycle printer ink cartridges Don’t create unnecessary travel through meetings – try to communicate via emails, phone calls and virtual conferencing as much as possible.

CARBON OFFSETS

As a final resort, carbon offsets are the only way we can reduce our productions to be carbon neutral at present. We use “gold standard” offsets which do not invest in tree planting.

INFLUENCE OTHERS

Always request – you might not change the world the first time, but if enough of us continue to protest, we will achieve change.

Examples:

  • reject packaging and explain: “I avoid wasteful packaging/ carrier bags etc”
  • ask people whether food is sourced locally. If not – ask if they’d consider finding local suppliers.
  • suggest that organisations you’re involve with have a carbon audit and aim to reduce emissions or achieve carbon neutral status
  • send decision-makers your views on changes which you would support

LONGER TERM AIMS

  • increase our use of solar-powered battery recharging
  • consider whether there are productions where we can use a Bolex clockwork camera combined with other parts of the production process in a way to generate fewer emissions.
  • Calculate and seek to improve our carbon footprints at home. A handy website is Energy Saving Trust
  • Think hard how to make Christmas Greener and less carbon-hungry!