Green Festival
Vancouver Island MusicFest recognizes that tourism, recreation and cultural events have a significant environmental impact and we are committed to developing initiatives that will lessen that impact. In partnership with community organizations we have been working to develop programs that will lighten our footprint on the fairgrounds, the region and the planet – this weekend and all year round. We invite all of you to join us in this effort to live (and play) green!
These initiatives include:
- Comprehensive sorting, composting and recycling of all site waste
- “Vancouver Island Tap Water” initiative to dramatically reduce plastic water bottle use
- Fun, interactive eco-education activities for all ages.
- Fair trade coffee, tea, chocolate and sugar for our performer and volunteer kitchens
- Participatory Community Mapping of our watershed, estuaries and recreation spots
- Fair trade policies for our Craft Vendors
- New plastics free policies for our food vendors (phase 1)
- Introduction of ‘litterless lunches’ for our volunteer kitchen
- Working with and promoting local and sustainable food producers, fishermen and distributors
- Replacement of all kitchen plastics with paper and bio-degradable alternatives
- Bike Lock Ups and Alternative Transportation promotion
- Biodegradable beer cups in the Festival Pub!
- Audience education programs about the fairgrounds and fragile river eco-system of the Tsolum River.
In partnership with organizations including World Community, Tsolum River Restoration Society, BC Creek Protection Society, Our Big Earth, Comox Valley Regional District, CUPE, Comox Valley Project Watershed, Living Oceans Society and others, Vancouver Island MusicFest is forging partnerships that will help to ensure a sustainable festival in years to come. Organizers are committed to putting Vancouver Island MusicFest on the destination map, both as an amazing cultural event and as a leader in creating a green tourism industry on Vancouver Island. Outside Magazine recognized Vancouver Island MusicFest as one of the Top 25 outdoor festivals in North America with a special mention of our Living Green Programs. Every year the partners and supporters of the Living Green Program will take new steps to demonstrate our commitment to the well being of our community and the planet.
Stop by the “Living Green” area in the Main Bowl to find out more!
If you are interested in being involved for the 2010 festival email Meaghan
