Women Driving Sustainability in the Film Industry

As Thanksgiving approaches, the battle against food waste and environmental impact in the film industry takes center stage. Hillary Cohen and Samantha Luu, co-founders of Every Day Action, are currently grappling with the monumental task of preparing 120 turkeys in their downtown LA food warehouse. This scenario highlights not only their commitment to combating food insecurity but also the innovative solutions they are implementing to handle logistical challenges in a busy culinary environment.

Addressing Food Insecurity

Every Day Action, born during the Covid pandemic, aims to tackle food waste in the entertainment industry. With a staggering amount of food discarded on film and TV sets, Cohen’s initial inquiry—“Why can’t we donate this food?”—sparked a movement. What she discovered was pivotal:

• The Bill Emerson Good Samaritan Act of 1996 protects food donors from liability.
• Every Day Action now redistributes over 80,000 meals annually to those in need.
• They collaborate with major studios like Warner Bros and Disney, addressing both food waste and food insecurity, particularly in cities like LA where 25% of the population struggles with hunger.

Innovative Eco Initiatives

The push for sustainability is not limited to food redistribution. Initiatives like EcoSet, founded by Shannon Bart, are redefining how productions manage waste. By introducing recycling and composting protocols on set, the entertainment industry is beginning to recognize its environmental responsibilities. In the UK, the Bafta initiative, Albert, is also making strides, focusing on:

• Phasing out fuel generators on sets, significantly reducing emissions.
• Encouraging talent to avoid private jets, promoting first-class travel as a more sustainable alternative.

Collective Action Towards Sustainability

At the grassroots level, collectives like Green Rider are setting rigorous environmental guidelines, while PropUp is rehoming and recycling props from popular shows. This approach not only reduces waste but also provides essential items to those in need. As Emma Chaplin of PropUp states:

“One prop can be life-changing.”

Women Leading the Charge

The narrative of women in sustainability is particularly compelling. Recent statistics reveal that 58% of chief sustainability officer roles are held by women. This trend is especially pronounced in broadcasting, with leaders like Danielle Mulder and Sara Peacock spearheading initiatives at the BBC and S4C respectively. The emphasis on women in this space is a testament to their innovative approaches and determination to effect change.

Looking Ahead

The future is bright for organizations like Every Day Action and PropUp, as they strive to inspire grassroots movements within the industry. Their practical aspirations include:

• Securing an industrial fridge-freezer to improve food storage and distribution.
• Opening a physical shop to further their mission of sustainability and community support.

As Chaplin aptly puts it, “We’re not sustainability experts, we’re just two women who saw a problem and wanted to do something about it.” This humble yet powerful statement captures the essence of grassroots activism and the potential for change through collective action.

For those interested in the original story, I encourage you to read the full article here.