At The Odyssey, we believe that great cinema can inspire positive change. As an independent cinema at the heart of our community, we are committed to reducing our environmental impact and improving our sustainability performance year on year.
We are continually reviewing every aspect of our operation, exploring new ways to reduce waste, improve energy efficiency, make more sustainable purchasing decisions, and work towards our long-term goal of Net Zero. Sustainability is not a destination but an ongoing journey, and we are committed to learning, adapting, and improving as new opportunities arise.
As a venue built around the power of storytelling, we also recognise the unique role that film can play in raising awareness of environmental issues. Through carefully selected screenings, partnerships, and community initiatives, we hope to encourage conversations about sustainability and inspire positive action beyond our walls.
Looking Ahead - A Greener Future, Together
While we are proud of the progress we have made, we know there is always more to do.
One of our key ambitions for the future is the installation of solar panels on The Odyssey building, allowing us to generate renewable energy on-site and reduce our reliance on traditional energy sources. We continue to explore opportunities to improve the building's energy efficiency and invest in technologies that support our journey towards Net Zero.
Just as importantly, we are committed to regularly reviewing our environmental practices, measuring our progress, and listening to feedback from staff, customers, suppliers and the wider community. Sustainability is an evolving challenge, and we want to ensure our actions continue to have a meaningful impact.
We look forward to continuing this journey with our staff, visitors and community as we work together towards a greener future.
Seeds, Sunflowers and Sunshine
In July 2023, we partnered with Burston Garden Centre to raise awareness of the vital role that bees and pollinators play in our ecosystem. For selected screenings of Bee Movie, visitors received complimentary packets of wildflower seeds, kindly provided by Burston.
By planting bee-friendly flowers in gardens and community spaces, we can all help create habitats for pollinators and support local biodiversity. Inspired by this initiative, we have also planted bee-friendly species on our rooftop near the projection area, with ambitions to expand the space into a thriving rooftop garden in the future.
Greener Travel Choices
Encouraging sustainable travel is an important part of reducing our environmental impact. We actively promote greener ways for both staff and visitors to travel to The Odyssey.
Did you know we have bicycle racks directly outside the cinema? We are also easily accessible via numerous bus routes serving the town centre, with many stops just a short walk away. By choosing active travel or public transport where possible, visitors can help reduce emissions associated with their trip to the cinema.
Packaging with Purpose
We are constantly reviewing our packaging choices to ensure they are as environmentally responsible as possible.
From glass bottled products and reusable serving glasses to our switch to paper straws, we are taking practical steps to reduce waste across our bar operations. Our sweet tubs and takeaway coffee cups are fully compostable, and we ensure they are disposed of alongside food waste so they can be properly processed.
We're also working towards introducing biodegradable labels for our sweet tubs, helping to ensure every component of our packaging is as sustainable as possible.
Supporting Sustainable Suppliers
Wherever possible, we seek to work with local suppliers and businesses that share our environmental values.
When considering new products and partnerships, sustainability is an important part of our decision-making process. One example is Marshfield Farm Ice Cream, whose commitment to responsible farming and sustainable production aligns with our own ambitions to make environmentally conscious choices throughout our supply chain.
Toilet Talk (For Good Reasons!)
Sometimes sustainability starts in unexpected places.
We have recently switched to more environmentally friendly paper products throughout our washrooms. By using products made from renewable materials such as bamboo and sugarcane, we can reduce reliance on traditional wood-pulp paper.
These fast-growing crops regenerate far more quickly than conventional timber sources, helping to reduce pressure on forests while providing a more sustainable alternative for everyday use.
Reuse, Refill and Reduce
Visitors can also support sustainability efforts through our range of reusable merchandise.
Our refillable water bottles, travel mugs and tote bags—made from 100% recycled cotton—offer practical alternatives to single-use products and help reduce packaging waste. Small changes, repeated often, can make a significant difference.
