Planet Connections Theatre Festivity

Know your Sustainable Community Extravaganza!!

2010-06-01T09:56:00.000-07:00

Saturday, June 12 at NOON

The Know Your Sustainable Community Extravaganza

A carnival in theme, Planet Connections Theatre Festivity is working in partnership with The Brooklyn Green Team for a fun, green event open to the public , for FREE on June 12 at noon at 440 Lafayette in the Robert Moss Theatre

This is a fun event with groups such as GrowNYC, South Street Seaport, GRACE and more! You don't want to miss out on the opportunity to learn what your community is doing to practice sustainability.

POW. YOU'VE BEEN GREENED.

The Robert Moss Theater

440 Lafayette Street, 3rd Floor

New York, NY 10003

To RSVP email: planetevents2010@gmail.com

THE UNTITLED PROJECT SEEKS MICROPHONE

2010-05-22T05:54:00.000-07:00

The Untitled Project is seeking to share a wired microphone/microphone stand with other PCTF shows. If you would like to work out a way to split the cost and the use of the microphone between our productions, please contact

Producer Kevin Davies (kevinjosephdavies[AT]gmail{DOT}com).

"A Dream About Sunflowers" at the Gene Frankel Theatre SEEKING

2010-05-22T05:53:00.001-07:00

We are looking to use/share the following set pieces.

- office chair (preferably with wheels)
- a small desk (long and thin preferred to squared)
- an armchair
- couch/loveseat (an upholstered chaise, while less ideal, could work)
- endtable
- another small table of some kind (used as a sidebar, can be fairly small)
- possibly an area rug

If any of these overlap with your productions, please contact Amy Laburda (production stage manager) atalaburda@gm.slc.edu. Thank you!

NewGround Theatre Collective SEEKS

2010-05-22T05:51:00.001-07:00

Our set designer is looking for a van or a truck to transport a set piece this Sunday in NYC....and also storage space if possible?

CLANDESTINE Produced by NewGround Theatre Company SEEKING

2010-05-13T16:28:00.000-07:00

2 bar height chairs/stools

a bar height small table

a double or queen size bed or convertible couch

Please contact Teisha Bader

teisha.bader@ghtradio.com

Co-Op Theatre East's production of "Decadent Acts"

2010-05-12T17:06:00.000-07:00

is seeking set-pieces, and would like to share with other PCTF productions. We're looking for:

- a long table, about 3' x 6', able to bear the weight of two adults

- a set of 4 matching chairs, preferably ones that match the table

In the spirit of the "green" nature of the festival, we'd like to locate these set-pieces without having to buy them, and once located, we're very willing to share with other productions!

Does anyone have something like this that they're planning to use? And if so, have you located it?

Follow up with us by e-mailing Robert Gonyo, Producer, at robby@cooptheatreeast.org.

PCTF Artist SUNRISE, SUNSET SEEKING SHARED FURNITURE PIECES

2010-05-10T09:54:00.000-07:00

Nicole Potter of SUNRISE, SUNSET performing at THE GENE FRANKEL THEATRE needs the following items for her show and is seeking help from all of you to see if they can be shared.

You can comment directly on this blog or email planetcarlyr@gmail.com, planetamandam@gmail.com, or nptalling@hotmail.com

An armchair
An end table
A lamp
A card table
A projection screen that hangs
Two folding screens
A projector

Podcast of Green Meeting

2010-05-05T17:18:00.000-07:00

Here it is! We are proud to present our first ever podcast!! Thanks to an artist in this year's festivity Robert Gonyo we are able to hear it. We couldn't be more proud. Enjoy as there is a lot of information and suggestions discussed.

Brooklyn Truck Farm

2010-05-05T07:19:00.000-07:00

This has to be watched RIGHT NOW! Stop what you are doing and watch these videos they will change your perception of what is possible in an urban environment. I know I am always searching for amazing produce in NYC and I find grocery stores usually fall short. Farmer's Markets are the way to go but sometimes you need a fix right now. Why not start your own garden?

Struck with the urge to build a garden but with no land to grow it on, Ian Cheney and Curt Ellis (co-creators of the film King Corn) of Wicked Delicate productions decided to use a 1986 gray Dodge Ram pickup truck to create a portable vegetable and herb garden.

Recycling: Our Biggest Blog Ever

2010-05-03T10:55:00.000-07:00

Hi PCTF Members,

The question we get asked the most is in regards to recycling. From your unused medication to your furniture to whether or not your yogurt container can be recycled. NYC.gov makes it all really easy and lets you know laws and regulations and locations where all of this is possible. From car batteries to your own batteries.

Here it all is!

Recycling is the law in New York City. Residents, schools, institutions, agencies, and all commercial businesses must recycle.

The requirements detailed below apply to all New York City residences, as well as schools, institutions, and agencies serviced by the Department of Sanitation.

What and How to Recycle:
PAPER & CARDBOARD

YES - PLACE IN RECYCLING

white, colored, and glossy paper (staples OK)
mail and envelopes (window envelopes OK)
wrapping paper (remove ribbon and tape)
smooth cardboard (food boxes — remove inside & outside plastic wrappers — shoe boxes, tubes from paper towel and toilet paper rolls, cardboard from product packaging)
paper bags
cardboard egg cartons and trays
newspapers, magazines, and catalogs
phone books, softcover books (paperbacks, comic books, etc.; no spiral bindings)
corrugated cardboard (flattened boxes)

NO - PLACE IN TRASH

hardcover books
napkins, paper towels, or tissues
soiled paper cups or plates
paper soiled with food or liquid
paper with a lot of tape and glue
plastic- or wax-coated paper (candy wrappers, take-out containers, etc.)
photographic paper

Place all paper together in CLEAR bags, or in any bin labeled with green recycling decals or marked " MIXED PAPER". (Or place in the white dumpster for paper recycling, if your building has one.)

Flatten and bundle large pieces of corrugated cardboard and tie with sturdy twine, or break into small pieces to place in your recycling bin or bag. (Or place loose in the white dumpster for paper recycling, if your building has one.)

See how you can reduce your junk mail.

What and How to Recycle:
BEVERAGE CARTONS, BOTTLES, CANS, METAL & FOIL

YES - PLACE IN RECYCLING

metal cans (soup, pet food, empty aerosol cans, dried-out paint cans, etc.)
aluminum foil wrap & trays
household metal (wire hangers, pots, tools, curtain rods, knives, small appliances that are mostly metal, etc.)
bulk metal (metal furniture, cabinets, large appliances, etc.)
glass bottles & jars only
plastic bottles & jugs only
milk cartons & juice boxes (or any such cartons and aseptic packaging for drinks: ice tea, soy milk, soup, etc.)

NO - PLACE IN TRASH OR DISPOSE PROPERLY

plastic items other than plastic bottles & jugs (such as deli and yogurt containers; plastic toys, cups, wrap, etc. — if it's not a bottle or jug, DON'T put it in the recycling bin, place in trash)
any glass items other than glass bottles & jars (mirrors, lightbulbs, ceramics, glassware, etc.), place in trash
Styrofoam (cups, egg cartons, trays, etc.) place in trash
batteries
plastic bags

Empty and rinse containers before recycling. Place all together in CLEAR bags, or in any bin labeled with blue recycling decals or marked "BOTTLES & CANS".

Remove caps & lids. Place METAL caps & lids in the recycling bin; put plastic caps & lids in the garbage.

Wrap knives or similar sharp metal objects in cardboard (such as a piece of cereal box) and secure with tape. Label the package "CAUTION: SHARP" and place with other designated metal, glass, plastic recyclables. For Home Sharps/Hypodermics, see Household Medical Wastes.

Place bulk metal next to recycling bins or bags.

Call 311 before discarding appliances that contain CFC gas.

5¢ deposit: Bring deposit bottles and cans back to the store for refunds.

What and How to Recycle: BULKY TRASH

YES - PLACE WITH RECYCLING

Furniture and appliances that are predominantly metal* and are too big for your recycling container or clear bag — such as washing machines, metal filing cabinets, box springs, or water heaters — should be placed beside the recycling container on your regular Recycling Day.

If you're participating in New York's Great Appliance Swap Out, be sure see important program details before setting any of your old items out for recycling collection. You must note your 311 appointment number for appliances with CFC gas as it is needed for filing your rebate. In order to receive the maximum rebate for a clothes washer, you must have the retailer recycle it since Sanitation does not provide proof of recycling for such items.

NO - PLACE IN TRASH OR DISPOSE PROPERLY

Non-recyclable trash that is too big for your garbage container or bag — such as mattresses, lumber, or debris from small construction or garden projects — may be placed at the curb on any regular garbage collection day.
For info on how to handle TVs and other broken electronics, see electronics recycling
For info on how to donate reusable furniture and other goods, see new homes for old stuff.

The Department of Sanitation will collect up to six bulk items from one address. There are special regulations for wood from trees. For more information, see bulk collection on the DSNY website.

*Appliances with CFC Gas

Before discarding appliances containing CFC gas, or freon — such as refrigerators, freezers, air conditioners, or dehumidifiers — you must schedule an appointment to place the item at the curb for CFC recovery. You can make an appointment on the Sanitation website or call 311. If you're participating in New York's Great Appliance Swap Out, be sure to note your appointment confirmation number from 311 as you will need it to file for your rebate. See important program details.

For safety reasons, the law requires doors to be removed from refrigerators and freezers before placing at the curb.

When to Recycle and Missed Collections

To find out your Recycling Day use the collection schedule feature on the Sanitation website, or call 311.

To report missed collections, call 311, or complete the Missed Collection form on the Sanitation website.

Improve recycling in your apartment building by participating in New York City's Apartment Building Recycling Initiative.

Special Waste Sites - Residents Only

The NYC Department of Sanitation operates Self Help Special Waste Drop-Off Sites in every borough for the collection and recycling (or proper disposal) of: batteries (household & auto), fluorescent bulbs, latex paint, mercury-filled thermostats and thermometers, motor oil and filters, transmission fluid, and tires.

Special Waste sites are open to residents only. City agencies, schools, businesses, and institutions are not permitted to use these sites, and must make alternative arrangements for proper disposal and recycling of material. Residents, City agencies, schools, businesses, and institutions can use the links below for waste prevention tips and how to properly dispose of these items (do not place these materials in your recycling bin!):

batteries: automotive for residents
batteries: automotive for agencies
batteries: household
batteries: businesses
fluorescent bulbs
mercury thermometers and thermostats
motor oil
paint
tires

Furniture

Residents - First, consider donating your used furniture. To find a new home for your used furniture, visit new homes for old stuff. For disposal, see what and how to recycle: BULKY TRASH.

Rechargeable Batteries

ALSO SEE: NYC rechargeable battery law: info for consumers, and rechargeable battery and cell phone recycling: info for agencies.

While rechargeable batteries reduce waste and can be more economical than alkaline batteries, they may contain mercury, cadmium, lead, and other heavy metals which can be dangerous if not disposed of properly.

Residents - Effective December 2006, New York City's Rechargeable Battery Law (Local Law 97 of 2005) makes it illegal for New York City residents to discard rechargeable batteries in the trash.

All NYC stores that sell rechargeable batteries or products that contain rechargeable batteries (with the exception of small food stores) must accept up to ten batteries of the same shape and size as they sell, no purchase necessary.

Large Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) batteries are not covered under this law. Visit batteries in resources for more info.

Do not place these materials in your recycling bin.

Businesses, Agencies, and Institutions - All businesses, City agencies, and institutions are required to recycle rechargeable batteries and cell phones. Visit rechargeable battery and cell phone recycling: info for agencies.

Syringes, Lancets, and Other Household Medical Waste

Many people use syringes, needles, and lancets (known as household sharps) to manage their health care at home. Proper storage and disposal of used household sharps is necessary to protect children, pets, and Sanitation workers.

These products must be packaged safely, and can be discarded at any hospital or nursing home in New York State. If packaged safely, properly labeled sharps containers can be placed in the trash. Never place loose sharps in the trash and never place sharps containers in your recycling bin.

Visit household medical wastes in reducing toxics at home for info on syringes and lancets, thermometers, unwanted medications, and medical equipment.

Toner and Ink Cartridges

Go to recyclers and vendors to find toner cartridge recyclers and manufacturers with toner cartridge recycling programs.

Visit new homes for old stuff to find toner cartridge donation outlets.

Also See toner cartridges in Tips for Your Agency

Additional Materials

For items not listed here, try the "how do I dispose of..." feature on the Sanitation website.

Go to recyclers and vendors to find recyclers for bulk quantities of items NOT collected for recycling by the NY Department of Sanitation, including cell phones, and CDs.

Visit new homes for old stuff to find places to donate, sell, or buy second-hand goods.

Recycling Containers and Decals

The Department of Sanitation does not provide recycling or garbage bins or bags. See where to buy recycling bins. Any container can be used for recycling so long as it is properly labeled. Containers cannot be larger than 32 gallons and must have a lid. CLEAR bags must be 13- to 55-gallon size.

Label containers on both sides and the lid with Department of Sanitation decals, or permanently marked in letters at least 4" high:
RECYCLING: MIXED PAPER (green decal)

RECYCLING: BOTTLES, CANS & FOIL (blue decal)

You can get free decals to label containers for curbside recycling collection using Literature/Decal Request or call the NYC Citizen Service Center at 311.

Decal application is most effective when decal is applied:

to a receptacle that is dry, clean, and free of all dirt;
during temperatures between 40° and 50°F; and
to a receptacle with a smooth surface.
Request new decals when fading/peeling occurs.

Recycling Symbol

Many residents are confused about what to recycle because so many products display the universal recycling symbol. However, only items that have a viable resale market are accepted by New York City's Recycling Program.

Some manufacturers voluntarily place a number inside the recycling symbol on their plastic products, but these numbers only serve to identify the plastic resins used in manufacturing, and do NOT indicate that the item is recyclable.

The only plastics accepted for recycling in New York City are bottles & jugs (with necks smaller than their bodies). All other plastic containers and all other plastic items should be placed in the regular trash — even if they are labeled #1 PETE or #2 HDPE.

Refer to the lists above to decide what to put into recycling containers. Do not place items in your recycling containers just because the package contains a recycling symbol or other recycling information. When in doubt, leave it out.

Helpful Hints

Keep containers for collecting paper in your main work areas, such as where you sort your mail and discard kitchen items. Devise your own system to make it easy for you.
If you are concerned about the confidentiality of your mail, remove address labels and tear up or shred mail. Find out how to opt out of credit card offers and reduce junk mail.
Set up a place in the kitchen to recycle paper packaging.
Leave labels on. Discard plastic caps and lids; recycle all metal.
Avoid pests and odors by rinsing recyclables before storing them.
Save space by flattening beverage cartons and plastic bottles (it won't affect recyclability).
Recycle aluminum foil used for wrapping, not for cooking (unless food and grease washes off easily).

Help Planet Connections win a grant!!!

2010-05-02T09:19:00.000-07:00

As you know, last month we were running for a Pepsi Refresh Grant. Since we were in the top 100 spots, we are now in the running for the grant once again! Help us reach number 1!!

We're looking to you guys to help us reach number 1! And now, not only can you vote for us, you can be entered to win an All-Festivity Pass! Here's how:

For the next 10 days, every time you vote for Planet Connections on the Pepsi Refresh website, "Share" the fact that you voted to Twitter or Facebook along with the hashtag #PCTFGrant. You must include the hashtag in order win, as that is how we will be tracking the entrants.

Here are the rules:
- You MUST include the hashtag (#PCTFGrant), or your entrance will not be noted
- You can vote and share once a day per e-mail address on the Pepsi site. This means that if you vote with 3 different e-mail addresses, and you share with 3 different e-mail addresses, you get 3 entries into the contest.
- You can vote multiple days in a row (and we encourage you to do so!)
- All of your friends/family/coworkers can participate in the contest! This is not just for festivity participants, but for anyone interested in the festivity as a whole!

The contest will be closed at midnight on April 30th. The contest drawing will take place Noon on May 1st.

Have questions? Email me at planetandic@gmail.com.

Get out there and vote!

Best,
Andi

PCTF Supporter Film Biz Recycling is having BLOWOUT SALE

2010-04-28T06:46:00.000-07:00

Name your own price week! We only do this four times a year.

We are expecting 3 HUGE donations soon and we need to clear the shelves! The boutique is bursting with sunshine and beautiful things. This is a great time to load up on items from NYC's TV shows, films, commercials, print shoots and theater.

Remember - your patronage helps support our mission of diverting production waste from landfills. 75 tons in 2009!

Film Biz Recycling
43-26 12th street 2nd floor (walk up)
Long Island City
718-392-3304

mon to fri 10-6 sat 12-5

want to know about sales before anyone else? follow us on twitter!

Happy Earth Day!!

2010-04-21T12:46:00.000-07:00

Celebrate Earth Day at Grand Central Station's Earth Fair! The earthfair has an indoor and an outdoor fair with tons of organic food and drinks, local environmental companies and green businesses, as well as live musical entertainment including numerous well-known performers and regional bands. Something worth checking out!

Help Planet Connections win a grant!!!

2010-04-21T12:35:00.000-07:00

As you know, we are in the running for a Pepsi Refresh grant. We're looking to you guys to help us reach number 1! And now, not only can you vote for us, you can be entered to win an All-Festivity Pass! Here's how:

For the next 10 days, every time you vote for Planet Connections on the Pepsi Refresh website, "Share" the fact that you voted to Twitter or Facebook along with the hashtag #PCTFGrant. You must include the hashtag in order win, as that is how we will be tracking the entrants.

Here are the rules:
- You MUST include the hashtag (#PCTFGrant), or your entrance will not be noted
- You can vote and share once a day per e-mail address on the Pepsi site. This means that if you vote with 3 different e-mail addresses, and you share with 3 different e-mail addresses, you get 3 entries into the contest.
- You can vote multiple days in a row (and we encourage you to do so!)
- All of your friends/family/coworkers can participate in the contest! This is not just for festivity participants, but for anyone interested in the festivity as a whole!

The contest will be closed at midnight on April 30th. The contest drawing will take place Noon on May 1st.

Have questions? Email me at planetandic@gmail.com.

Get out there and vote!

Best,
Andi

Your Favorite Broadway Stars and Songs - Reduced, Reused, and Recycled

2010-04-16T05:21:00.000-07:00

Friends of PCTF, At Hand Theatre Company, are having an event at Joe's Pub (right across the street from 440!!) called Broadway Recycled which will feature performances of songs that were cut in their original Broadway productions.

Help support an amazing and sustainable company that was featured on our Green Panel last season. Tickets are a very reasonable at $30!!

The evening will feature performances by the cast of Title of Show – Hunter Bell, Susan Blackwell, Heidi Blickenstaff, Jeff Bowen, and Larry Pressgrove – as well as Tim Anderson (9 to 5), Annaleigh Ashford (Hair), Jennifer Balagna (9 to 5), Mario Cantone (Assassins), Paul Castree (9 to 5), Erin Davie (Grey Gardens), Jeffry Denman (White Christmas), Jerry Dixon (Once on This Island), Kathy Fitzgerald (9 to 5), Gaelen Gilliland (Legally Blonde), Josh Grisetti (Enter Laughing), Aaron Simon Gross (13 the Musical), Adam Gwon (Ordinary Days), Ann Harada (Avenue Q), Hunter Ryan Herdlicka (A Little Night Music), Van Hughes (American Idiot), Tyler Maynard (Altar Boyz), Euan Morton (Taboo), Kerry O'Malley (Into The Woods), Charlie Pollock (9 to 5), Tory Ross (Cry Baby), Andrew Samonsky (South Pacific), Bobby Steggert (Yank!, Ragtime), Joseph Zellnik (Yank!), and Anthony Rapp (RENT)! The concert, benefiting the Broadway Green Alliance and At Hand Theatre Company, will be directed by Dave Solomon with musical direction by Julie McBride.

Save a tree AND get some free coffee!!

2010-04-15T07:53:00.000-07:00

Today April 15th, Starbucks is offering a free cup of coffee if you bring in your reusable travel mug! Visit Starbucks.com to find out more information and track your impact! Who doesn't want some free coffee, while helping save the environment?!

If you missed our Green Meeting....

2010-04-13T10:54:00.000-07:00

Notes from our Green Meeting 4/12/2010

Our philosophy: Greening your production starts from the inception of the piece all the way until you strike your set. You don’t need to take things away, just start thinking differently and more sustainable from the onset. Are you taking things out of your show because you want to be green? Want to save money? Or does it service the piece?

Off Off Broadway has been sustainable for years, because we have to. We face many challenges not owning our own spaces, and not having the funds, but make it work for you. Further your story by using sustainability. No one wants to see cheap theatre,but sustainable theatre…. That has a different ring to it. Rebrand your marketing.

Make sure in your marketing you mention the sustainability aspect. Sustainability is the “sexy” word right now! Involve your patrons so that they will support your theatre and become inspired. Think of something new and innovative that they want to experience. Hopefully you can inspire your audience to start using sustainable practices in their daily lives. Even the little things count.

Use different forms of media and creative ideas to promote your shows. What is the best way to share your story using the different forms of social medias? Facebook? Have one of your characters twitter to fans or perhaps a blog, upload a video on youtube. A webisode? Maybe use some guerrilla marketing tactics. A great example of guerrilla marketing Think how can I do this differently?

During the rehearsal period encourage the use of electronic communications, public transportation, and double sided scripts. See our Planet Connections Manual on page 5 for more tips and suggestions.

Perhaps you don’t need a headshot board or paper program. Maybe you can send the audience to your website and they can view it all there. Maybe you want to be really creative and use scraps of materials (costumes, props, headshots, set pieces) that were left over from the show to create an art piece representing the show. Maybe you want your audience to participate by riding a bike to power the lights for the entire show. ( very ambitious but perhaps worth looking into)

Once your pieces are struck, find a way to reuse them, re-purpose them or donate them to other theaters. Use our blog as a resource for prop, set, and costume sharing within planet connections. It will be a great, eco friendly way to make more connections with your fellow artists. Build it Green, Film Biz recycling, and Mo'olelo Theatre in California, have some great ideas and resources.( Also see our list of favorite websites for ideas and resources)

You don’t have to hit your audience over the head with the green message, but make is subtle. Great examples are 70 Million Tons at the looking Glass Theatre that a few Planet connections staffers are involved in, +30NYC with the Red Fern Theatre Company has shows about sustainability( see previous blogs about both of these events) sustainability doesn’t have to live and die at the end of your show. Keep up these practices throughout your theatre career, keep it going!

Over all, please remember the 3 R’s: Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle!

Solar1

2010-04-13T07:06:00.000-07:00

Solar1, fabulous friends of PCTF , are offering to assist you in your search for solar panel installations!! This couldn't be more helpful in a city where there are too many choices and not enough expertise to guide you on your search. We encourage everyone to explore this wonderful opportunity and if you have relationships with theater companies looking to explore sustainability this is a no brainer.

70 Million Tons

2010-04-13T06:57:00.000-07:00

Our very own Chanda Calentine directs this amazing new all sustainable theater piece 70 Million Tons at the Looking Glass Theatre. Her efforts to make this production carbon footprint free is admirable and inspirational. For those of you interested in sustainable theater this is a MUST SEE.

AND to top it all off there are several talkbacks scheduled to discuss sustainability.

(Not to mention the fact that several other of our staff members are also involved...Chaz...Jenn...so seeing the show also helps support PCTF)

How many more reasons do you need to see this show?

Click HERE to buy Tickets

Airline Recycling

2010-03-16T06:55:00.000-07:00

Spring is just around the corner, and some of us just need to take a break from the city and go on vacation! ( Myself included!) While there are more sustainable modes of transportation available to get you to your destination, sometimes flying just can't be avoided. Did you know that airline industries as a whole generate about 880 million pounds annually? Most of that waste comes from in flight. Over 75 percent of what is wasted in flight is recyclable, but less than 20 percent is actually recycled! Green America has a recycling report, and more information about how you can reduce your waste while flying.

Design, Design, Design

2010-03-10T20:49:00.000-08:00

One of the more important aspects about sustainable theater has more to do with its design than you would think. So if you are thinking about redesigning a space and need to know where to look here are some interesting websites as well as blogs that discuss this very issue.

US Green Building Council LEED Certification

Ecotheater

The Green Theater.org

Green Theater Initiative

+30NYC

2010-03-10T20:37:00.000-08:00

So you might be wondering how to incorporate sustainability throughout your theatrical experience? We have just the thing for you. Red Fern Theatre Company currently has a production that does just that. An all sustainable evening of short plays. And our own Katie Rosin is involved with this project so all the more reason to check it out!

Recycle your Jeans

2010-03-08T11:46:00.000-08:00

Everyone's got an old pair of jeans that they wear specifically to strike, to paint a set, or a pair that they just don't want anymore. Well hurry up and bring them to the Gap to be recycled and get 30% off a brand new pair! Its that simple. Help your wardrobe, your wallet and the environment all at the same time!

The good ol' recycling symbol

2010-02-25T09:25:00.000-08:00

Everyone has seen that good ol' recycling symbol, but what exactly does that mean? Is EVERYTHING with that symbol recyclable? The short answer is NO.

That symbol has become universal and is put on most products (voluntarily) by companies to identify the type of plastic used in manufacturing. It does NOT mean everything with this symbol can be recycled.

According to nyc.gov, The only plastics accepted for recycling in New York City are bottles & jugs (with necks smaller than their bodies). All other plastic containers and all other plastic items should be placed in the regular trash.

So now you know!

Green Guidelines For PCTF

2010-02-13T16:21:00.000-08:00

GREEN ACTIVISM

As this is an eco friendly festival, we encourage all artists to be conscious of their affect on the environment. We have listed some guidelines and suggestions that can be implemented on the first day of rehearsal.

Remember the 3 R’s -- Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

What We Are Doing:

· Providing recycling bins on the premises for aluminum, glass and plastic, and paper

· Use of eco-friendly light bulbs in our lounge, bathrooms and other public areas, in addition to the lightings plots in each performance space

· Use of recycled and recyclable paper products

· Cleaning with eco-friendly products

· Decreasing paper communications and instead promoting online and social networking communications

· Greening ticketing ideas

· Recycling Festibills for multiple use

· Providing an eco-friendly lounge with items to be purchased

· Encouraging the use of reusable water bottles

· Promoting community building through an online forum on our website in the Green Section where artists can communicate and share props, costumes, and ideas.

What You Can Do:

Paper

· Encourage online communication via email instead of snail mail mailing lists for both your charity and show.

· Encourage online communication for the use of audition materials, welcome packets, Press Packets, and any other correspondence with industry.

· Promote the use of social networking, individual websites, and blogs for marketing your show

· Print on recycled paper

· Print scripts double sided

· Use soy based inks where available

· Properly dispose of paper usage into recycling bins

· Encourage your audience to return and recycle their festibills and your show’s program at the end of each performance. A bin will be provided

Transportation

· Promote the use of public transportation for performances and rehearsals

· Walk or ride your bike to performance and rehearsals

· Encourage taxi cab sharing

Energy Efficiency

· Encourage promotion of energy efficient lighting

· Don’t forget to turn out the lights when not in use

Props, Scenery, Costumes

Borrow props, scenery, furniture and/or costumes before creating or purchasing new ones. Feel free to use the online Green Forum through PCTF website to find whatever you might need.

· Use bamboo as a wood alternative

Waste Management

· Promote the use of reusable water bottles, cups, plates, utensils etc.

· Properly dispose of scenery, sets, and props and donate, reuse and recycle where possible. Kindly dispose or recycle with organizations that promote sustainability and can put your items to good use. Before construction takes place you can contact Build It Green!NYC or Film Biz Recycling to find the proper way to construct your scenery to ensure easier breakdown and recycling once your show has completed.

We ask that you kindly promote awareness of these guidelines to your cast and crew.

Origins

2010-02-13T16:10:00.001-08:00

As members of the artistic community we are all always buying and using new cosmetics to use under those lights. Check out what Origins is offering! An opportunity to bring in your cosmetics bottles, tubes, jars, etc. (from any brand) and they will properly dispose of those items at their own cost. AND to top it off...you get a free sample from their wonderful line of skin care products. Save the world and your skin? That's wonderful.

Welcome to the Planet Connections Green Blog!

2010-02-09T14:46:00.000-08:00

Welcome to the Planet Connections Theatre Festivity green blog. This is your community and together we can make PCTF the best most sustainable theatre festivity there is. We encourage each of our artists to use this site as an opportunity to share green ideas in theater as well as interesting information that involves the theater community (like where to buy soy based ink? or which cosmetics company is offering eco-friendly products so we look fantastic under those lights AND are kinder to the environment). You can also pose questions to all the other theater artists about sharing props or sets. We encourage you to use this site as an open forum to assist you as you progress from rehearsals through to performance.

Blog submissions are accepted and can be emailed to pctfgreenblog@gmail.com . (Due to high submission volume we may not be able to respond to all submissions in a timely manner)

You will be notified if your blog is chosen to appear in the green blog and as always feel free to participate and comment, share new ideas and experiences.

Blog Submission Guidelines:

-250 Words or less

-Image attached in jpeg format or web link (if desired)

-All relevant links

-Contact information if different from submitted email address