Some thoughts on going green… sorry I can be more detailed…

Lighting

This has been very well received on the whole. And the newly painted bar area makes a good blank canvas. Things aren’t quite perfect yet – we’re still experimenting with colour combinations, and not being able to mix and match the faders means that interim states eg. Dusk may not be well lit… But very positive reactions overall. The bar now looks like a bar and it quite literally drawing people off the street.

Price and Sacrifice

Implementing organic/ecological bar stock inevitably meant prices went up. Too high for some stock eg. £2 for a soft drink in a can. Indeed, taking into consideration our location and audience, we realised the prices had gone too high, too soon. In light of this, some prices have been lowered. The addition of Freedom organic beer has meant sales for Efes – our cheaper ‘local’ option – increased. However, having choice has proved a good thing; once given the information about our new stock being organic many customers are curious to try. Indeed, I have not come across any cynicism; people are much more ecologically conscious/curious.

Box office

The Box office has not faced any big changes yet. Implementing reusable paper clips as opposed to staples has been a small step. We should obviously look to using recycled paper for our tickets, if we can and advertising that fact. Indeed, we need to advertise the greening process even more I think – it’s not that obvious to a lot of people.

Audience feedback

It’s been great to hear what our audiences think – more questionnaires and interrogation.

Personal Repercussions

Going green at the Arcola has made me think more about what I do outside work – ie. Not wasting water, turning lights off more. Etc. An inevitable knock on effect must surely influence our customers too. At the same time, nothing must be forced upon people/ Choice – as now being reflected in the bar – is everything…

Lauretta