Greening The Great White Way

Donyale Werle's Tony-Award winning and completely upcycled set design for Peter and the Starcatcher.

The Broadway Green Alliance has recycled 15 tons of electronic waste and over 10,000 pounds of clothing and textiles since its inception in 2008, according to NY Daily News. The Great White Way saw over 12.2 million attendees in its 2013-2014 season, and it looks to use its popularity to set a good, green example.

Broadway Green Alliance, composed of Manhattan's professional theaters, is an industry wide initiative to help reduce Broadway's carbon footprint and have a better impact on the environment, the city, and ultimately, the world.

According to Jordon Galloway of NY Daily News:

The alliance started as an ad hoc committee of the Broadway League in 2008 before becoming an affiliate program of Broadway Cares Equity Fights AIDS, which is the theater world's principal non-profit fundraiser and grant-making organization.

Besides considering more sustainable design and infrastructure, the alliance also believes in established recycling programs for more efficient shows. Broadway Green Alliance believes no detail is too small, and recommends battery and light bulb upgrades, prompting the use of rechargeable battery microphones and flashlights. Wicked went from using 15,000 batteries to only 100, keeping thousands of toxic disposable batteries out of the waste stream each month.

Live Design supports Broadway Green Alliance's efforts, providing table tops and speaking opportunities at events, including LDI, Broadway Master Classes, and Envision Symposium. Donyale Werle, speaker at the 2014 Broadway Projection Master Classes, has also aided the green initiative by dumpster diving for a completely upcycled set for Peter and the Starcatcher in 2012, and winning that year's Tony Award for Best Scenic Design.

To read the full article, visit NY Daily News.