Why I’ve Joined 1% for the Planet — and What It Means for Sustainable Video Production
As a Hampshire based video freelancer working across commercial and branded productions, I’m increasingly aware that how we make work matters just as much as what we make.
That’s why I’ve recently joined 1% for the Planet as a freelancer, committing 1% of my annual revenue to environmental organisations working to protect the planet.
Sustainability and modern video production
Producers and production companies are under growing pressure to deliver sustainable video production, often while balancing budgets, fast turnarounds, and high creative standards.
From my perspective on set, sustainability doesn’t have to mean compromise. It means:
Smarter crew structures
Efficient kit and lighting choices
Reduced travel where possible
Fewer reshoots through better prep
Working with crew who respect time, resources, and people
Joining 1% for the Planet is one practical way I’m embedding those principles into my business, beyond individual projects.
What 1% for the Planet actually means
1% for the Planet is a global network of businesses and individuals who commit to donating 1% of their revenue to vetted environmental partners.
By joining as a freelancer, I’m making a long-term commitment rather than a one-off gesture. As my work grows, so does the contribution.
For producers, this offers something simple but meaningful:
You’re working with crew who are actively investing back into environmental causes
Sustainability isn’t just a line in a treatment, it’s part of the business model
A practical, producer-friendly approach
I know from experience that producers value calm, reliable crew who don’t add friction to a production.
My approach to sustainability follows the same principle:
No extra admin for production
No disruption to workflows
No moral grandstanding on set
Just thoughtful decision-making, clear communication, and a commitment to doing better over time.
Why this matters to production companies
Many production companies are already doing excellent work around sustainability, whether through albert certification, carbon tracking and offsetting, or greener production methods.
Working with freelancers who share those values helps reinforce that effort across every layer of a shoot.
For production companies looking to partner with sustainability-minded freelance crew, this is simply one more signal of alignment.
Looking ahead
Joining 1% for the Planet is part of a wider goal: building a freelance business that’s resilient, responsible, and aligned with the kind of work I want to be involved in long-term.
If you’re a producer or production company thinking about sustainable video production, I’m always happy to talk about how we can make work that’s creatively strong, commercially effective, and responsibly made.
More information on - https://www.onepercentfortheplanet.org/
