Environmental Responsibility Statement for One Table Two Chairs Charitable Foundation
The world is facing a series of linked environmental crises that are having profound impacts on our global ecosystems. According to the UN's warning in October 2022, swift and decisive actions are necessary to keep global warming from surpassing the critical threshold of 1.5 degrees Celsius. The urgency of this matter cannot be overstated, as we are already witnessing the effects of climate change through severe droughts, destructive storms, and catastrophic floods. These environmental challenges are compounded by declining biodiversity, hazardous air pollution levels, and widespread plastic pollution in our waterways. It is imperative that all sectors of society, including the performing arts, take immediate and effective action to prevent these issues from escalating further.
Within the performing arts world, and particularly the tradition-rich field of Cantonese opera, One Table Two Chairs Charitable Foundation holds a unique position of influence. The performing arts, especially ones with international reach and historical significance, contribute substantially to environmental impact through travel, set construction, and energy usage in theatres. However, we also have the capacity to lead by example, setting a precedent for sustainable practices and using our platform to promote environmental awareness and action.
At One Table Two Chairs Charitable Foundation, our mission is to preserve and advance the art of Cantonese opera, to foster cultural enrichment, and to provide a voice for artists who embody our rich heritage. To honor our mission and uphold our values, we must address the environmental crisis. The survival of art and culture, as well as the communities that cherish them, is at stake. Many of these communities are disproportionately affected by climate change, yet they hold invaluable knowledge and practices that can contribute to sustainable solutions.
As a charitable foundation, we recognize that our direct environmental impacts largely stem from the production and transportation of stage sets, international tours, and energy consumption within our performance venues. In response to this, we have committed ourselves to the following actions:
- Joining initiatives similar to the Gallery Climate Coalition, committing to a minimum 50% reduction in our CO2 emissions by 2030, based on a 2019 baseline.
- Conducting regular assessments of our carbon footprint to monitor our progress toward this goal.
- Setting specific objectives for significant aspects of our environmental footprint, which include:
- Reducing travel for performances and set transport by integrating local materials and talent, aiming for a 50% reduction by 2025 and a 75% reduction by 2030.
- Transitioning to sustainable set construction methods and materials, and ensuring that all sets are reusable or made from recyclable materials by 2026.
- Decreasing energy consumption in our venues by 30% and installing renewable energy sources where feasible by 2030.
- Implementing a zero-waste policy for all our productions by 2030.
To achieve these goals, we are:
- Exploring alternative travel and transportation methods that have a lower carbon footprint.
- Engaging with local artists and technicians to minimize the need for international travel.
- Conducting energy audits for our venues to identify energy-saving opportunities.
- Collaborating with other organizations to share best practices and develop innovative solutions for sustainability in the performing arts.
- Actively discussing environmental impact with our suppliers and partners and seeking out those who prioritize sustainability.
- Establishing a dedicated 'Green Team' within our foundation to oversee our environmental initiatives and ensure regular progress reviews.
Furthermore, we are allocating a portion of our yearly budget into a fund specifically for environmental action, beyond the scope of carbon offsetting. This fund will be used to expedite our emission reduction efforts and support effective climate change solutions globally. We will transparently report the allocation and impact of these funds annually.
Our commitment to environmental responsibility is guided by the principles of climate justice. We acknowledge the interconnection between the environmental crisis and other forms of global injustice. We strive to ensure our actions support those most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change and do not exacerbate existing inequalities.
We are conscious that our journey toward environmental sustainability is ongoing and that we have much to learn. We invite feedback from our community, including artists, audiences, and stakeholders, on our environmental statement and our planned initiatives. Together, we can make a significant difference in preserving not only our art form but also the planet we all share.