Ottawa’s festivals getting greener

July 10, 2009 · Filed Under Festival News, News

Ecology Ottawa has released a report assessing the greening efforts of 15 local festivals. The report is based on Ecology Ottawa’s second annual survey of festivals, conducted this past spring. It explores the steps being taken by festivals in 2009 to reduce waste, cut emissions from transportation and energy use, provide sustainable food & beverage options, and limit consumption of water, paper, and other materials.The survey found that:

- Festivals are making the biggest efforts in waste reduction and recycling, followed by efforts in transportation and power management
- Three of the festivals are using electricity from certified green, renewable sources
- Two festivals have plans to buy carbon credits to offset their emissions
- On-site composting is featured at five of the festivals
- Eight festivals have agreed to join a committee with Ecology Ottawa to identify and implement best practices for festival greening

The breadth of green practices reported this year, as well as the much higher response rate compared to 2008, suggest that Ottawa’s festivals are taking environmental impacts more seriously and making improvements. Of course, there is much that can still be done, and Ecology Ottawa looks forward to working with a committee of festivals over the coming months to raise the bar on environmental standards at our city’s cultural events.

Festivals included in the report: BC Scene • Bon Appétit • Tulip Festival • Pride Week • Bluesfest • Magnetic North Theatre Festival • Dragon Boat Festival • Fringe Festival • Folk Festival • Chamber Music Festival • Irish Festival • Lumière Festival • Jazz Festival • Winterlude • Writers Festival

[From press release]

Tags: Ecology Ottawa, environment, green, Ottawa Festivals