As environmental consciousness rises, large festivals like Burning Man and Coachella are facing scrutiny for their carbon footprints and resource-heavy operations. In contrast, small and medium-sized festivals around the world are taking a different approach. By integrating localized, sustainable practices from the outset, these events demonstrate that festivals can entertain while respecting and supporting their environment. Here, we’ll dive into how smaller festivals are leading the way with innovative, community-focused sustainability models that prioritize the planet.

1. Envision Festival (Costa Rica):

A Holistic Approach to Environmental and Community Well-being

Set in Uvita, Costa Rica, Envision Festival is deeply rooted in the natural beauty of the Costa Rican coastline and aims to maintain that beauty through sustainable initiatives. Envision emphasizes holistic sustainability by considering environmental, social, and community well-being.

Eco-Conscious Infrastructure

The festival’s infrastructure is built with biodegradable and locally sourced materials, including bamboo structures and composting toilets. Envision’s dedication to leaving a minimal footprint aligns with its “leave no trace” policy, and the community is encouraged to contribute to this eco-conscious effort.

Community and Educational Outreach

Envision goes beyond the festival experience by providing educational workshops that teach permaculture, regenerative agriculture, and sustainable living practices to attendees and the local community alike. This integration helps attendees leave with more than memories—they leave with knowledge that they can apply in their own lives, creating a lasting environmental impact beyond the event.

2. Boom Festival (Portugal):

Sustainability from the Ground Up

Boom Festival, held in Portugal every two years, has set high standards for sustainable event management. Its commitment to sustainability extends beyond the festival grounds, aiming to inspire change throughout the events industry.

Renewable Energy and Water Conservation

The festival is powered by solar and wind energy, and its water system includes composting toilets and water-saving measures like rainwater collection. This emphasis on energy and water conservation demonstrates Boom’s holistic approach to sustainability, particularly in a region that is prone to water scarcity.

Self-Sufficiency and Local Food Sourcing

Boom operates largely on a self-sufficient model, with much of the food for the event grown on-site in permaculture gardens. By sourcing food locally and sustainably, the festival minimizes the environmental impact associated with transportation and supports local agriculture. Boom’s efforts in water conservation and permaculture serve as practical models for eco-friendly festival planning, encouraging event organizers to rethink their reliance on external resources .

3. Greenbelt Festival (UK):

Faith-Based Sustainability with Local Roots

Greenbelt, a faith-based arts festival held in the UK, combines environmental sustainability with community involvement, focusing on localized, small-scale sustainability that aligns with its core values.

Sustainable Supply Chains and Local Partnerships

Greenbelt prioritizes working with local suppliers and vendors that share its sustainability goals. By supporting small businesses and ethical producers, the festival reduces its carbon footprint and provides economic benefits to local communities. Their food options are carefully curated to include sustainable, plant-based choices, aligning with the festival’s ethos of respect for creation and social justice.

Reusable Infrastructure

Greenbelt uses reusable tents, furniture, and materials to minimize single-use waste, a commitment that extends to its waste management policy of sorting and recycling all refuse on-site. This sustainable infrastructure showcases how festivals can reduce environmental impact by planning with reuse and longevity in mind .

5. Rock the Green (USA):

A Small-Scale Leader in Environmental Education

Rock the Green, a Milwaukee-based music festival, blends its sustainability goals with community engagement by incorporating environmental education as a key aspect of the festival.

Zero-Waste Approach

Rock the Green takes pride in its zero-waste policy, partnering with local waste management companies to ensure thorough sorting, composting, and recycling. They’ve even introduced “eco-champions” from the community to educate attendees on responsible waste disposal, reinforcing a culture of sustainability through hands-on learning.

Eco-Conscious Transportation

The festival offers free bicycle valet services and promotes carpooling to reduce carbon emissions. This effort to facilitate low-impact transportation aligns with their overarching goal of making sustainability accessible for all attendees, even before they arrive at the event.

Why Smaller Festivals Lead the Way in Sustainability

While major festivals have a broader reach, smaller festivals often have greater flexibility to adopt sustainable practices and set up infrastructure that is genuinely eco-friendly. Many of these events prioritize local sourcing, waste reduction, and renewable energy, offering insights into how all events, large or small, can operate more sustainably. Moreover, smaller festivals often build stronger ties with local communities, ensuring that their sustainability efforts benefit not just attendees but also the local people and ecosystem.

Smaller festivals also showcase the potential for integrating educational initiatives into the festival experience. By teaching attendees and local residents about sustainability practices, these festivals leave a lasting impact, empowering people to make more eco-friendly choices in their own lives. The community-centered approach that defines festivals like Terraforma and Envision not only enhances the attendee experience but also fosters a culture of sustainability that extends far beyond the festival grounds.

Conclusion: Building a Greener Future for Festivals

The innovations coming from smaller festivals are reshaping how the events industry approaches sustainability. By prioritizing renewable energy, supporting local economies, and embracing zero-waste initiatives, these festivals set powerful examples for reducing environmental impact while fostering a more sustainable community. As sustainability becomes a critical factor for festival-goers, the methods implemented by small-scale festivals demonstrate that entertainment and ecological stewardship can—and should—go hand in hand.

These examples not only inspire attendees but also serve as a call to action for larger events to prioritize genuine sustainability. By embracing community collaboration and focusing on long-term ecological responsibility, smaller festivals are showing the world how sustainable festivals can truly thrive.

Sources:

1. Envision: the festival winning Awards in Sustainability

2. Future Festival Tools: Boom Festival

3. Greenbelt Festival: What is it?

4. Rock the Green: Entertainment Plus Engagement for Sustainability