After several days into Ramadan, “Green Arabic” returns to continue the conversation about Ramadan drama in the age of climate change.
In the previous article, we questioned the price the planet pays for view counts and trailer races. Today, we ask a different question: Does every new drama story… really need new costumes?
240 Tons of Waste… The Environmental Cost of Drama
Drama is not a luxury; it is one of the most powerful tools of cultural and social influence. But behind this influence lies a massive environmental footprint that often goes unseen.
A single film or TV series can generate nearly 240 tons of waste. A large portion of this comes from costumes and accessories. The biggest irony?
Around 60% of newly produced costumes in major productions end up in storage—or in the trash—after filming wraps, according to NPR and Wifi Talents.
If we apply this figure to the current Ramadan season, which includes around 40 series, we can imagine the scale of consumption and waste—especially in historical productions or shows set in specific time periods that require custom-made wardrobes.
A simple equation:
Producing new costumes for every series = water + energy + fabrics + non-biodegradable waste + accumulating carbon emissions year after year.
The issue is not one single production, but a production model that repeats annually. Which brings us back to the fundamental question:
Does producing more series necessarily mean increasing consumption and waste?
The answer: No.
And here is the proof.
“Heba Regl El Ghorab”… Success Doesn’t Always Require Something New
In Arab drama, this series offered a smart and sustainable lesson. The outfits of “Heba,” portrayed by Amy Samir Ghanem, were not specially designed for the show. Instead, they were taken from the old wardrobe of her mother, the late star Dalal Abdel Aziz.
When audiences learned this story, they did not mock it or question the production quality. On the contrary, they connected more deeply with the character and revisited the history of these pieces, which Dalal Abdel Aziz had worn in earlier works.
The result? Greater success and wider reach. The clothes appeared classic and relatable. Reusing vintage pieces was not just an environmental solution—it was a creative decision that enhanced authenticity.
From Heba to Emily…
“Emily in Paris”… Sustainable Elegance
Globally, “Emily in Paris” presented a louder and more conscious model.
Over five seasons, the character “Emily” became a fashion influencer. What many do not know is that her bold elegance did not rely on endless new wardrobes, but on a clear philosophy led by costume designer Marylin Fitoussi.
From season one, Fitoussi relied on second-hand and vintage pieces. Initially, this may have been driven by budget limitations, but it later became a defining visual identity of the show.
In later seasons, the concept evolved. The team incorporated pieces from fashion archives of renowned houses, alongside thousands of rented items from costume rental companies—without the need for newly designed garments.
The series successfully integrated concepts of slow fashion, rental culture, and second-hand markets into mainstream drama. It became a global example of sustainable style. The outcome was not just reduced production costs—but the creation of a worldwide trend.
Here, the connection between Heba and Emily becomes clear:
Just as vintage clothing gave Heba authenticity, second-hand pieces gave Emily global influence. Both series proved that drama can dazzle us on screen—without burdening the planet.
Successful and Responsible Drama
The shift toward more sustainable drama is not an idealistic dream. The success stories we highlighted offer practical solutions. What they require are creative production decisions.
At “Green Arabic,” we do not view drama as an enemy of the environment, but as a powerful tool capable of leading transformation.
If drama can change audience perceptions, it can also unite success with environmental responsibility. Because transitioning to responsible drama is no longer optional—it is an ethical and climate necessity, and a long-term investment.
