Tackling On-Set Consumption
The craft services table—affectionately known as ‘crafty’—is the all-day snack and beverage hub that keeps a film crew fueled and happy. While essential for morale, it has traditionally been one of the biggest sources of single-use waste on a set. A typical crafty table can generate hundreds of plastic water bottles, disposable coffee cups, plastic utensils, and individually wrapped snack packages every single day.
A zero-waste crafty initiative is a highly visible and impactful strategy to combat this waste by focusing on circular, reusable systems.
Key Components of the Initiative
Implementing a zero-waste crafty involves a series of straightforward but significant changes to on-set protocol:
- Hydration Stations: The single most important step is the elimination of single-use plastic water bottles. Instead, the production provides every cast and crew member with a personalized, reusable water bottle at the start of the shoot. Multiple water refill stations are set up around the set and base camp.
- Reusable Serviceware: Disposable coffee cups, plates, and cutlery are replaced with durable, reusable alternatives like ceramic mugs, metal forks and knives, and proper plates. A washing station or collection system is established.
- Bulk Purchasing: Instead of offering snacks in individual plastic wrappers, items like nuts, dried fruit, and granola are provided in bulk dispensers, allowing crew members to take what they need using reusable containers.
- Waste Sorting Stations: Clear, well-managed three-bin (or more) systems are placed near the crafty table. These stations are for Composting (all food scraps, napkins, compostable cups), Recycling, and a very small bin for true Landfill waste.
- Food Donation Partnerships: A system is put in place with a local food bank or shelter to donate any leftover, non-perishable food at the end of the shoot, ensuring that surplus food does not go to waste.