The Great White Way Is Going Green

NEW YORK (AP)  -- The Great White Way is going green.


Stan Brooks reports

Mayor Michael Bloomberg -- with the help of green friends like "Wicked'' witch Elphaba -- launched the ``Broadway Goes Green'' initiative Tuesday that includes plans to use energy-saving bulbs and recycle stage sets.

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The aim of the campaign is to reduce Broadway's carbon footprint, a measure of greenhouse gases produced by human activity.

Ten theaters already have replaced some 10,000 bulbs with more energy-efficient ones. And within the next 12 months, all of Broadway's theaters will have made the switch.

``By this time next year, the lights on Broadway will burn just as bright, but the energy bills and our city's carbon output will be lower,'' Bloomberg said. ``This commitment will raise the level of awareness for everyone involved in these shows including the audiences and that's going to have an impact that reverberates far beyond the Big Apple.''

Under the plan, theaters will strive to use environmentally friendly materials in scenery; recycle and reuse props; and wash costumes in cold water and use rechargeable batteries in sound equipment when possible.

Patrons also will be asked to do their part. Theaters will give out cards with tips on steps they can take at home to help save the environment.

The mayor made the announcement at the Eugene O'Neill Theatre, where ``Spring Awakening'' is currently playing. He was joined by members of the Broadway community and other green characters, including Frank from ``Young Frankenstein'' and Nicky, a puppet from ``Avenue Q.''

The initiative is part of the mayor's PlanNYC goal to reduce the city's carbon footprint 30 percent by 2030.

On the Net: www.nyc.gov