Sustainable Filming in Mexico: How to Reduce Your Production’s Environmental Impact
As global demand for sustainable filmmaking grows, Mexico's diverse landscapes face increasing production pressure. This guide shares proven strategies to minimize environmental impact while filming across Mexico's sensitive ecosystems - from cenotes to coral reefs.
The global film industry is waking up to its environmental footprint—waste, emissions, and energy consumption are no longer afterthoughts. For productions shooting in Mexico, sustainability isn’t just a trend; it’s a necessity to protect the country’s fragile ecosystems. At Kanan Films we’ve filmed in every corner of the Yucatán Peninsula – through mangrove swamps and delicate reef systems.
Here’s what we’ve learned actually works when balancing production needs with environmental care:
Waste Reduction: Beyond Recycling Bins
Single-use plastics and abandoned set materials plague filming locations worldwide. In Mexico, where recycling infrastructure can be limited, prevention is key:
- Reusable Everything: Swap disposable catering items for thermoses, metal utensils, and biodegradable packaging. – On all our sets, we’ve eliminated single-use catering items. Every crew member gets reusable thermoses and containers. Even more so, in our recent project with YETI they gifted us a set of YETI cups for our crafty and catering set ups. It can’t get better than that!
- Donate, Don’t Dump: Materials like lumber, fabrics, and props often find second lives. We regularly donate these to organizations like CIAM in Cancún, for community workshops.
- Beach Cleanups: Coastal shoots require extra vigilance. Teams should allocate time for post-shoot cleanups, separating trash for proper disposal. We separate all waste, especially in beach areas. After each coastal shoot, we do a full cleanup of the shoreline, sorting materials for proper disposal.
Energy & Transport: Cutting Emissions Without Compromise
Generators and transport are a production’s biggest carbon offenders. Solutions exist:
- Eco-Power Alternatives: Silent, solar-compatible generators power base camps without diesel fumes—ideal for remote locations like Bacalar or Sian Ka’an. – We’ve fully switched to EcoFlow generators for crew areas and client villages – they’re quieter and more efficient than traditional options.
- Smart Transportation: Use newer, fuel-efficient vehicles and maximize passenger loads. Carpooling isn’t just eco-friendly; it cuts costs by up to 30%. We only use vehicles that meet Mexico’s ecological regulations and maximize passenger capacity for fewer trips.
Social Responsibility: Leave It Better
True sustainability means going beyond environmental checklists and considering the human impact of your production. The most successful shoots build relationships, not just sets. Here’s how to ensure your project benefits local communities long after wrap:
- Hire First, Donate Second – Temporary jobs create more value than one-time gifts.
- Respect Over Rescue – Collaborate with locals instead of imposing solutions.
- Think Legacy, Not PR – Focus on needs that outlast your shoot schedule.
The best productions don’t just avoid harm—they create ripples of positive change. In Punta Allen, we donated safety helmets to the women-led tourism cooperative after our shoot. In La Paz, we provided 10 industrial waste containers that were permanently installed in Balandra’s protected area. For local events like the Todos Santos carnival, we contributed materials and support that remain useful long after we wrap.
Key Takeaway for International Producers
Start small: Replace three disposable items (cups, cutlery, call sheets) with reusables on your next shoot. These tweaks rarely impact budgets but significantly reduce waste.
If possible, adopt EU Protocols: Measure carbon footprints, track waste, and offset emissions. Additionally, work with fixers who prioritize eco-vendors, hiring local crew, and giving back to the host community.
Ready to film sustainably in Mexico? Let’s turn your vision into reality while protecting what makes this country special—our bilingual team handles permits, eco-friendly vendors, and community relations so you can focus on creativity.
Let’s Make It Happen!
