Environment&
sustainability
in Irish make-up
departments
our ambition
As creatives working the film industry we help to make sense of the world; what it was, what it is, and what it could be. To that end, it is important not just to recognise the end result but also the process in getting there. How can we, as an industry with so much influence not just create new worlds but also shape our own for the better?
Tackling the climate crisis can sometimes feel like an insurmountable task, especially when viewed as an individual and how you alone can make an impact, this overlooks the power of communities and the potential difference we can create when working together. ISME believes that the decades long experience of our members allows for the most practical approach to sustainability within our department.
While we hope to work with productions and our colleagues in other departments on these issues, we believe it a bottom up approach that enables communities to set and reach attainable goals. With this in mind ISME is creating a framework, based on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, to encourage Ireland based make-up teams to run greener departments.
Our Goals
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Responsible consumption
Making informed choices to reduce department waste by being thoughtful about department purchases and choosing a sustainable option whenever possible.
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Reducing waste
Using reusable items instead of disposables when possible. For example station mats, cutlery and coffee cups.
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Rehoming kit
We have all found ourselves with underutilised kit that still holds creative value. ISME’s rehoming scheme offers a system to rehome valuable kit to junior and trainee grades.
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Energy efficieny
Ensuring energy is used sufficiently within the make-up department, on the make-up bus and in the crowd room.
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Donating
Donating unused items at the end of a production to charities such as the Hygiene Bank, which hopes to tackle hygiene poverty in Ireland, and the DSPCA.
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Promoting sustainability
Promoting best environmental practices within a production and encouraging other departments and crew members to do the same.
Small CHanges
Make a Big difference
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Turning off mirror lights when not in use.
Turning off ovens when not in use.
If leaving an empty bus for long periods of time, turn off the main lights.
Timers for appliances such as hot towel machines.
Moving paperwork and continuity online.
Deleting files and photos from cloud services once no longer needed.
Refrain from sending unnecessary emails.
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Buying items with less plastic - EG Bamboo mascara wands, wooden nail brushes.
Switching to silicon mats instead of using couch roll.
Switching to reusable hard plastic or silicone instead of soft plastic single use items.
Clean, sterilise and reuse items instead of single use - eg sponges, wands, utensils.
Buying local products when available, for example switching to Irish made skin care.
Buy in bulk when possible to save on shipping and transport.
Buy rechargeable batteries instead of single use.
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Use reusable cups, water bottles and cutlery.
Choose the more environmentally friendly lunch options.
Re-waterproof, reseal, and mend waterproof items and booths, rather than buying new.
Investing in reusable hand warmers instead of buying single use.
Re-waterproofing jackets and trousers rather than buying new.
Instead of throwing away old cast / set bags can they be utilised as storeage?
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Unopened packets of tissues, wipes, sponges and toiletries can be donated to the hygiene bank.
Old towels and facecloths can be donated to animal shelters.
Under utilised kit can be donated to trainees and juniors, rather than thrown away. Colleges might also accept items.
Old electrical items can be brought to a WEEE recycling center, or any Powercity has a recycling bin in their front door for electrical items.
Batteries can also be recycled at any recycling centre or many shops, like woodies, will have a blue box at the check out for old batteries.
Track our progress
ISME members will be able to update the amount of kg saved from landfill through a form in the members area.
Whether it is through donating to one of chosen organisations or by rehoming under-utilised kit to some of our juniors and trainees, every kg counts.
We’re currently beginning this journey but you can watch our progress below!
Did you know?
You can save 0.58 litres of water 60.9 grammes of carbon each time you opt for a reusable cup instead of a disposable one.
That if every adult in the UK sent one fewer “thank you” email a day we would save more than 16,433 tonnes of carbon a year.
“To find a form that accommodates the mess, that is the task of the artist now.”
— Samuel Beckett
