Costume

FUEL

 

• Use electric or hybrid vehicles for costume transport vans or wardrobe trucks where possible.

• Source costumes locally to avoid long-distance freight or shipping.

• Hire costumes from local wardrobe houses, theatre companies, or past productions rather than purchasing new items.

• Use local seamstresses, tailors, and dry cleaners to reduce travel and courier fuel.

• When purchasing or picking up costumes, consolidate trips.

• For fittings or remote collaborations, use video calls instead of in-person sessions to avoid travel.

• When travelling with cast for fittings, carpool instead of multiple separate vehicles.

​

​​​​

ENERGY

​

• Choose energy-efficient washers, dryers, and steamers for costume maintenance.

• Wash in cold water whenever possible to save energy.

• Dry costumes outdoors instead of using dryers.

• Iron or steam only what’s necessary and schedule bulk steaming sessions instead of multiple small runs.

• Switch off irons, steamers, and dryers when not in use.

• Use solar power or battery systems to run wardrobe trucks or laundry areas where possible.

• Use LED lighting in fitting rooms and wardrobe trucks.

​​

​

Eco-Friendly Materials

 

• Eco-friendly cleaning products and laundry detergents, fabric softeners, and stain removers will minimise the environmental impact.

• To reduce the environmental impact of costume production, source organic and natural fabrics such as cotton, linen, hemp, and bamboo. These materials require less water, pesticides, and synthetic fertilisers, making them more sustainable than conventionally grown fibres.

• Using recycled textiles, such as recycled polyester, cotton, or even fabrics from post-consumer waste like plastic bottles, helps divert materials from landfills.

• Many conventional dyes contain harmful chemicals that can pollute water sources and have adverse health effects. Use natural dyes (from plants, fruits, or vegetables) or low-impact, non-toxic dyes with a much smaller environmental footprint.

• The department can seek out cruelty-free alternatives for productions that require leather, fur, or wool. Many vegan leather and faux fur options are now available from sustainable or recyclable materials.

• Source Australian, ethical, and sustainable jewellery. Support local.

• Utilise upcycled materials to create accessories.

​​

​

Waste Reduction & Recyling

​​

• Adopt zero-waste design principles. Maximise the use of available fabric and minimise waste generated in the workroom during the cutting and sewing process.

• Use offcuts for smaller items like accessories, buttons, or embellishment

• Reuse old costumes or textiles from previous productions, re-working vintage clothing, or incorporating recycled materials into new designs.

• After wrap, costumes can be recycled or re-purposed for future productions, donated to charity organisations, or sold. Textile recycling programs are becoming more widespread, and many costumes can be re-purposed into other garments or fabric products.

• Encourage costume crew to use refillable water bottles and reusable coffee cups

• Click here to find sustainable textile recycling centres throughout Australia.

​

​