September 1, 2009 - When production started on the new CBS series
“The Good Wife,” there was something different about the set. Gone was the
ubiquitous pile of empty plastic water bottles left over after a day of shooting
on location on the streets of New York. Gone were stacks of paper needlessly
printed out in the production office. “The Good Wife” has gone green.
“It’s all about being good citizens,” said producer Brooke Kennedy.
According to Kennedy, the key people involved in the production were eager to do
their part to lessen their impact on the environment. “Julianna wanted to do it,
the crew wanted to do it,” said Kennedy. “Julianna felt strongly about it.”
Those in charge started out by explaining to everyone they hired what
kind of company they wanted to be. Implementing several initiatives – like
handing out reusable water bottles and utilizing a cart with cold water and a
soda fountain – brought about instant results. In all departments, choices are
being made to be more green. Smart cars are used by the location teams, greatly
reducing fuel amounts. Solar panels were installed on campers provided by
Lightenin Production Rentals. The production office has gone to complete
electronic distribution. A staffer only gets paper if she asks for it.
“I can’t believe how much we’ve reduced,” said Kennedy. “We must be
putting out a third of the garbage [a show like this would].” Vincent Morano,
the production coordinator, told Kennedy he estimates they’re using a third less
paper than on his last job.
Lynn Powers, the location manager, agreed
that the production’s efforts are off to a good start. “I think it is going very
well,” she said. “We feel better knowing we are not throwing out hundreds of
plastic bottles a day and needlessly wasting tons and tons of paper.”
“These early efforts to go green help to show vendors that saving energy
and resources does matter to consumers,” explained Powers.
“What’s
really interesting is everyone in the crew is anxious to do their part,” said
Kennedy. Different departments are coming up with their own ideas on how to
recycle, like the construction department looking for ways to reuse wood.
“For me personally, it's very exciting to see this change,” said
Powers.
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