How the Production of ‘Lilo & Stitch’ Set a Shining Example of Sustainability
With the release of Lilo & Stitch last weekend, Disney not only delivered its latest live-action blockbuster but also a film shot with sustainability and conservation in mind.
As the movie was shot entirely on the island of O’ahu, the production team knew they had a responsibility to honor the land they were working on.
To do so, they transformed the way film sets operate to reduce waste, reuse materials, and give back.
Lilo & Stitch. Photo: Disney
Over the 46 days of filming across O’ahu, the Lilo & Stitch production team dedicated itself to diverting on-set waste from landfills and turning it into “valuable resources” for local communities.
Working alongside four Hawaii-based organizations, Sustainable Coastlines Hawai‘i (SCH), Bottles4College, Full Circle Farms, and Aloha Harvest, Disney was able to deliver amazing sustainability results.
The Results
In collaboration with Sustainable Coastlines Hawai’i, the Lilo & Stitch team diverted 80% of on-set waste from landfills.
Photo: Disney
According to Disney:
“The coastlines protection-focused organization set up waste sorting stations across set locations — with clearly marked bins for recycling, compost, and trash — while providing on-site education to help cast and crew prep traditional waste for its next use.”
Additionally, 18,000 pounds of food scraps and compostable packaging were sent to the local Full Circle Farms. There, they were transformed into nutrient-rich soil.
Working with Aloha Harvest, the Lilo & Stitch team donated 3,500 pounds of surplus food.
Finally, working with Bottles4College, Disney was able to ensure that bottles and cans were recycled and that funds collected from the recycling facility went towards scholarships for local students.
An Example For Others
Looking ahead, Lilo & Stitch may be a shining example for productions going forward.
Photo: Disney
“From the materials used on set to the meals served each day, Disney’s sustainability team found a creative approach to production that only complements the creative process on screen,” Disney boasts.
Lilo & Stitch is in theaters now.
