As you may or may not know, Radiohead (global rockers) have pulled out of Glastonbury 2008 (massive annual rock festival). They say it is because of their research into the harmful ‘carbon footprint’ type effects of rural concerts not well connected by public transport.
They now prefer concerts in urban centre e.g. Croke Park. Glastonbury has inspired Ireland’s Electric Picnic in many ways and here is what the EP web site says about their efforts to impress the Greenies in 2008 -
Carbon Footprint
We worked closely with Cultivate Ireland & Friends of the Earth and follow their advice and guidelines on the steps needed to make Electric Picnic progressively more carbon neutral.
Cultivate host a large area where they work to communicate the message of ‘reducing our carbon footprint’ throughout the festival.
Recycling
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Large recycling containers are positioned in certain areas of the festival grounds for people to bring their waste to for recycling throughout the course of the weekend.
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Plastic, glass & paper waste is recycled.
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Waste bags are distributed to festival goers plus they are encouraged to also bring a supply of their own for the weekend for gathering their waste, and on a daily basis to make the trip to the on site Recycling Stations to dispose of them.
Eco Cup
The Eco Cup system replaces pint-sized plastic or paper cups served at all bars with polypropylene hard plastic cups which can be used over 100 times before being fully recycled.
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A deposit of EU3 is given and reimbursed to the individual on return of the Eco Cup to any of the bars.
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Compared to alternative cups which are produced then disposed or recycled after one use, Eco Cups offer the minimum impact on the environment.
B.Y.E.
The Bring Your Empties campaign encourages people to be more conscientious about their litter and to help make it easy for them.
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B.Y.E. teams greet people on arrival with recycling bags and guidelines & tips for easy & efficient waste management for the weekend.
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The teams circulate the main arena and campsites each day distributing more bags where needed and reporting black spots to the waste management teams in the instance where rubbish bins are overflowing, or if busy areas need servicing.
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They also man smaller Recycling Centres around the site for those who find themselves too far from the larger Recycling Stations, these are serviced regularly and brightened up with colorful art installations to make waste disposal a more cheerful experience than usual.
Traffic Management
We will be closely considering the traffic management plan this year to see how we can reduce congestion, associated parking problems and all the pollution that goes with it. We will also be encouraging festival goers to take public transport and we’ll be launching a new website in the coming months to facilitate car pooling.
See you in my green tweed suit there now my conscience is eased ! Oh and thanks to scamp for the cool illustration !
Yours Sustainably
CO2.ie
