Recently I discovered the Environmental Media Association (EMA) while searching for ways to make my own productions greener. The strength of EMA seems to be leveraging the power of Hollywood to influence positive change for the environment, which I totally admire. I’m intrigued and want to learn more about the organization.

According to their Twitter profile (@green4EMA), EMA s a non-profit organization which “mobilizes the entertainment industry in an effort to educate people about environmental issues & inspire them into action.” EMA has three programs: the EMA Green Seal, school gardens, and California Green Communities. They explain hot button issues and post green tips online. The annual EMA Awards honor the people who have environmental messages in creative ways.

What I found most helpful are the resources listed on their EMA Green Seal page. The program recognizes and honors progress in sustainable production, which is exactly what I’m trying to do. The “Green Seal Guidelines — A Best Practices Guide” (2009) is a 19 page booklet about how to make your production more environmentally friendly. It’s available as a downloadable PDF.

It’s a goal of mine to make each of my films as environmentally friendly as possible. I’m a little obsessed with being environmentally responsible at home, and I want to do the same at work. I feel like it’s a fun challenge that has the potential to have a positive influence on others. Sometimes it feels like a no-brainer.

I’m inspired by folks like Jack Johnson who make caring for the environment a priority and educate their fans about it in the process. Check out the Jack Johnson greening page to learn more about what they’ve done to minimize the environmental impacts of his tour. I love it.

My research on making each of my films more environmentally friendly continues!