AT THE FESTIVAL
Party hard, recycle harder!
A festival usually lasts for a few days, but when we think about its consequences, we realize that it is not a passing event or of minimal importance. A festival has an economic, social and ecological impact long after its closing day. It is important that the organizers are creative and plan the event so that visitors have sustainable options with minimal impact.
”Our planet’s alarm is going off and it’s time to wake up and take action."
Leonardo DiCaprio
What else should you prepare besides the festival outfit?
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You can take a reusable bottle of water or a cup of coffee with you to the festival.
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Check the list of food suppliers and choose the veggie type! Many festivals have reoriented and diversified the classic food type "burgers and kebabs" with various assortments of fish or vegetarian food.
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Do not leave a mess! Throw the rubbish in special containers and don't forget to recycle!
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If you are a smoker, be careful where you throw cigarette butts. Some festivals or tobacco distributors provide portable ashtrays.
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Choose to go to the festival by bus or car sharing to reduce your own carbon footprint.
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Opt for the electronic version of the ticket.
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There are festivals that recruit volunteers to sort and collect the garbage generated after the festival. They offer tickets in exchange. If you don't have ticket money and want to protect the environment, this is a super cool option.
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Don't buy too much food or alcohol. If you want more, you can always go shopping again.
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No glitter! What does a festival mean without some sparkles? Unfortunately, we have bad news: glitter is made of microplastics and can be very harmful to the environment. These micro-particles need 400 years or more to decompose naturally.
GOOD TO KNOW!
• Some examples of sustainable initiatives at festivals in Romania:
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a car manufacturer has provided 100% electric SUVs for the transport of artists;
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installation of automatic collection and instant recycling machines for aluminum cans or selective collection machines for plastics;
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implementation of the "No Straws" policy;
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the first stage based on solar and kinetic energy in Romania - cyclists were selected to arrive by bike from at least 250 km, in order to increase awareness regarding alternative transport benefits;
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selective collection facilities in the form of giant letters;
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draft beer served in recyclable paper cups;
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100% biodegradable packaging.
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the most sustainable festivals in the world are Terraforma (Milan); Burning Man (USA); Splendor in the Grass (Australia); We Love Green (Paris); DGTL (Amsterdam).