Dec. 1, 2008 - Ten Broadway theaters have switched 10,000 exterior and interior lightbulbs to more energy-efficient versions, and the rest of the theaters have pledged to do the same within the next 12 months as part of a new program to reduce the environmental impact of New York's Great White Way.

The energy-efficient bulbs are just one aspect of the industrywide Broadway Goes Green initiative, launched last week. Theater production shops are building sets from environmentally preferable materials and developing plans to recycle or reuse scenery. Costumes are being washed in cold water to save energy, and re-chargeable batteries are being used in sound equipment whenever possible. And touring shows are offsetting the carbon emissions from transporting their equipment by investing in new wind and renewable power projects.

Goals for the first year of the program include:

Conducting greenhouse gas inventories for the theaters and integrate the reduction goals into long-term business plans Developing information for producers and vendors to make green choices when choosing materials for sets, costumes, lighting and transportation Working with stage lighting manufacturers to develop more energy-efficiency technology that still meets necessary aesthetic qualities Giving preference to local, sustainability-focused vendors for scenery, lighting, projection, sound, and costumes Optimizing show transportation routes, schedules, and loads to reduce mileage and trips Creating an avenue through which productions can recover and reuse material

Participants in Broadway Goes Green expect the initiative to influence patrons habits as well. Theaters will hand out tip cards to tell their audiences actions they can take to reduce their carbon footprint at home, and Playbill magazine will print theater related eco-tips throughout the year.

"Broadway reaches a huge audience, so in addition to Broadway doing our part to help the Earth, we hope to encourage theatergoers to take personal action to make meaningful changes in their daily lives," says Nina Lannan, chair of the Broadway League.

Broadway Goes Green is the latest in a series of initiatives supported by New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg to green the city's iconic industries, including its taxi and limo services. Bloomberg's PlaNYC program aims to the New York's carbon footprint 30% by 2030.