Post production facilities have not been singled out as a significant environmental threat. Nevertheless, one cannot ignore the amount of energy used to run a small business for a year, the consumable goods used for each project, and the steady mountain of waste created by a handful of hungry staffers. Another humbling (and not entirely fatalistic) notion is to consider that every tape master and optical disc, as well as every computer or office item we touch, will in one hundred years from now most likely end up buried in the ground. [Yipes!]
In 2008 Modulus Studios made a firm commitment to examine every aspect of our business and take measures to reduce our planetary impact.
REDUCE CONSUMABLE MATERIALS
Via the web we upload and download gigabytes of files daily, which has helped cut by half, the number of optical discs and magnetic tapes used on a typical job. We accept nearly all tape formats but we also state upfront that we prefer to have materials sent on a hard drive.
PAPERLESS OFFICE
In nearly all areas we've reduced the proliferation of paper associated with a typical business. We use web-based project logs, job orders and review sheets. Yes, you can expect your bill to arrive via email as a PDF, and no, don't expect to see back issues of
Hollywood Reporter and
Billboard on our coffee table.
CARBON NEUTRAL SERVERS + STUDIO
The webhosting companies we employ (e.g. this website) offset electrical usage by contributing to wind, solar, and reforestation projects and so do we! We purchase Green Tags from the non-profit,
Bonneville Environmental Foundation to offset (more than) the 6 tons of carbon generated by our annual electrical usage.
ECO-SMART CD/DVD PACKAGING
CD Jewel cases and Digipaks carry a difficult to recycle plastic component; we've held to a firm decision to stop selling them. Instead, we use recyclable poly cases, cardboard sleeves and wallets, and we've started working with a Belgian company to provide short-run DVD and CD packaging that’s hip, stylish and 100% biodegradable.
ENERGY-SMART FACILITY
Plain-old fluorescent lighting was never so trendy as it suddenly is today. We also use a lot of CFLs and
Energy Star rated equipment. Motion sensors in our offices automatically switch off lights when one leaves the room to reduce wasted wattage.
RECYCLING BINS IN USE
Yes, we use them daily! We recycle DVDs and CDs - bring your waste discs to us! And we openly encourage all of our employees, associates to institute green practices in their personal lives.
