Ottawa’s festivals getting greener
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]
Survey puts environment on stage at summer festivals
Ecology Ottawa initiative asks organizers to consider how green they can beKate Jaimet, The Ottawa Citizen
So, just in time for the summer season, one local ecology group is releasing a survey of environmental initiatives at Ottawa festivals.
None of the fifteen festivals in the survey was shamed or blamed for being an environmental laggard. Festival organizers filled out the surveys themselves, and Ecology Ottawa did not independently verify the results.
“It’s not the most rigorous study, but it’s just to get people thinking about these things and to show other festivals what the real leader festivals are doing,” said Lori Waller, policy co-ordinator at Ecology Ottawa.
So who are the greenest of the green in Ottawa?
Find out on the Ottawa Citizen website: Survey puts environment on stage at summer festivals
