EMA’s Green Streaming Guide for May 2023
May is a charming month when the beauty of Spring is in full bloom, and we find ourselves spending more time outdoors, immersed in nature. It's heartening to see that numerous production companies have begun implementing sustainable practices to minimize their environmental impact and spread awareness about the importance of sustainability. As a result, more and more people recognize the urgent need to support and care for our planet.
Avatar: The Way of Water
The "Avatar: The Way of Water" highlights the destructive nature of colonizers, as demonstrated by the RDA's relentless pursuit of control over Pandora, even after years of peace. Furthermore, by portraying this fictional world, the film is a powerful allegory for the ongoing issue of colonization throughout human history. Ultimately, "Avatar 2" offers a thought-provoking lesson on the consequences of colonization and the importance of preserving the natural world.
"Avatar: The Way of Water" set a new precedent in Hollywood by serving plant-based food exclusively on set. Additionally, the production was entirely powered by solar energy, with charging stations readily available and reusable water bottles provided to everyone involved. The bathrooms were also overhauled with low-flow faucets and toilets, saving a staggering 29,315,000 gallons of water and significantly reducing the carbon footprint of the production.
EMA Green Seal Recipient 2023
Fast X ( in Theaters May 19)
Creators have kept the plot of "Fast X" under wraps. However, the possibilities for "Fast X" appear limitless given the history of previous films.
"Fast X" is an avid participant in the NBCUniversal Sustainable Production Program, an initiative launched in 2009 dedicated to reducing the environmental impact on film and television productions.
EMA Green Seal Recipient 2023
Star Wars: The Force Awakens
"Star Wars: The Force Awakens" is the seventh installment in the "Star Wars" film franchise and was released in 2015. Directed by J.J. Abrams, the film takes place thirty years after the "Return of the Jedi" events and features a new cast of characters alongside the return of some familiar faces. Audiences praised the film for its thrilling action sequences, stunning visual effects, and engaging story.
The production of "Star Wars Episode 7" was committed to implementing sustainable practices, primarily focused on reducing waste and efficiently sourcing energy. As a result, the production successfully avoided over 1000 hours of generator running time, reducing carbon emissions by about 102 metric tons and saving roughly $9,200 of diesel. Additionally, the production diverted 75% of its waste from landfills by adopting a range of measures like recycling, composting, reuse, and donating materials.
EMA Green Seal Recipient 2015
Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom
"Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom" film production included comprehensive recycling and food waste collection, minimal plastic water bottle usage, and digital paperwork. The cast and crew also eliminated beef from their menu, significantly reducing impact. And while there was less food waste due to safety protocols, the film donated more than 2,000 pounds of excess food, equaling approximately 1,660 meals for those in need.
The movie's production team implemented innovative sustainable solutions in unexpected areas like the stunt department. Due to strict safety regulations, stunt wire and safety equipment are usually disposed of after use, but the production team found a solution through Extreme Rigging. They developed a process to recycle used stunt wire by breaking it down into individual fibers and using it to create a new wire. This process is a notable example of creative thinking to reduce waste and promote sustainability on set.
Wild Life (Now in Theaters)
"Wild Life" is a documentary that depicts the exceptional endeavors of Kris and Doug Tompkins, who are environmental entrepreneurs. The movie showcases their efforts to create additional national parks in Patagonia by planning history's most significant private land donation.
The Tompkins' extraordinary efforts have successfully conserved and begun the gradual restoration of more than 14.7 million acres of land in Chile and Argentina, which are now protected as national parks. This conservation effort is an excellent success in environmentalism and climate change resistance. Yet, while admirable, some may see it as a form of colonialism, despite its good intentions and enabled by American capitalism.
Please visit our EMA Green Seal page to see more recipients.
Lexi Fleck is in her 2nd year at UCLA majoring in Sustainable Urban Design and minoring in Film.
