A new set of production guidelines has been devised by a coalition of media sector members and other organisations, to help producers on all scales to use nature responsibly.

The US group Recreate Responsibly has launched their #CreateResponsibly program of guidelines, which are designed to help media creators and artists to positively impact the places they create their art. The guidelines were created in collaboration with members of the film industry, as well as the US Forest Service and other government agencies.

“Greening production practices are critical for addressing climate change and our carbon footprints,” said entertainment advisor Jeffrey Abramson. “But what about our literal footprints? When we utilize a location to create and share our art or message, we have a shared responsibility to one another, future generations and the land itself along with its inhabitants.”

Recreate Responsibly is asking creatives to publicly join the #CreateResponsibly pledge. Members of the community receive a digital badge to mark their content and include in promotional materials to mark themselves out as committed to the preservation of nature.

“From full-time road-trippers to professional athletes, content creators in the outdoors have a responsibility to lead by example and help elevate an outdoor culture of stewardship and ethical practices,” said Katie Boué, president of Outdoor Advocacy Project. “Both how we create content and the stories we tell through that content are opportunities to make the outdoors better.”

The #CreateResponsibly guidelines include stressing the importance of properly researching locations, planning adequate and appropriate transportation, and following the “Leave No Trace” principles to respect the local area and community.

Dusty Vaughn, of the U.S. Forest Service, said “As a federal land management agency, we love how people share their experiences and connections to the outdoors, especially when they follow practices that reduce the impact to others and the land while creating an inclusive experience. Content creators have the ability to reach more audiences and inspire all of us to work together as stewards of these landscapes.”