![]() ![]() ![]() Sohn points to a higher level of expectation and understanding in terms of vendor participation in composting requirements, which aligns with Bonnaroo’s consistent environmental message and strong vendor relationships. Communication with vendors begins months ahead, and given Bonnaroo’s location, it is necessary to stock up before arriving at the farm. The festival’s Concession Team began to enforce vendor requirements, with threats of kicking out those caught by “zone managers” for using anything other than the required compostable food serviceware. Waste reduction education, including composting and recycling, was made available in the campground to improve diversion in that area. In 2006, Bonnaroo organizers bought the farm… literally! This allowed for the planning of on-site composting, as well as future projects like installation of a solar array. Combined with recycling figures, 120 tons of organics and recyclables were diverted in 2004, and 80 combined tons were diverted in 2005. With these advances in procurement, a pilot on-site composting program was implemented in 2004. Compostable cups were introduced as a vendor requirement in 2003, and compostable food service items in 2004. Material collected - primarily food scraps - was sent to regional composting facilities. Source separation of organics began the first year Bonnaroo was held (2002). Laura Sohn, Director of Sustainability for Bonnaroo, sees community building as the key to its accomplishments in waste diversion. Programs like these allow fans to directly participate in event sustainability, take pride in the festival’s eco-focused production, and effectively build the backbone of the festival’s conscious community. Fans can turn in recyclable items to the Clean Vibes Trading Post booth, collect points for each piece, and later redeem their points for “prizes,” such as sunscreen, t-shirts, artist merchandise, and free tickets to future events. Managing waste material behind the scenes was key, but Clean Vibes also incentivized fans to collect littered recyclables through a recycling raffle. Over time, this investment of time, money, manpower and experimentation has proven successful.Įnlisting the help of Clean Vibes, a company formed and dedicated to responsible on-site waste management of many outdoor festivals and events, Bonnaroo was launched with waste reduction as a core operating principle. Since its inception, organizers of Bonnaroo felt it was their responsibility to invest in environmental sustainability. During the four days each year, Bonnaroo is the biggest city in Tennessee, yet somehow these 80,000-plus individuals (including fans, workers, artists and volunteers) quickly foster a deep sense of community that has carried through each of its 13 years. From legends to up-and-comers, Bonnaroo has featured a diverse range of artists, including Paul McCartney, Dave Matthews, Stevie Wonder, Metallica, Radiohead, Jay-Z, Bob Dylan, Pearl Jam and Phish. This year’s fest generated 120 tons of compostable material being composted on-site.īonnaroo began in 2002 as a multigenre music festival with on-site camping and music ‘til sunrise, a popular concept in Europe, but something the U.S. This four-day event features more than 150 artists on a dozen stages, and a commitment to environmentally-conscious production practices. The Bonnaroo Music & Arts festival - one of the most iconic large-scale music festivals in the world - is held annually on a 700-acre farm in Man-chester, Tennessee. ![]() ![]() Organics are collected in compostable bags and transported bottom) to the on-site composting operation. Bonnaroo began source separation of organics the first year the festival was held in 2002, and has continued it ever since (sorting station, top). The Learning Garden (left) teaches festival attendees about composting and compost use, and organic food production. ![]()
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