Summer is back! The sun, the heat, the light clothes, the aperitifs and barbecues, the long evenings on the terrace… and the festivals! These big musical events welcoming hundreds of thousands of festival-goers every year are not always environmentally friendly: energy-guzzling generators and tons of waste, yet there are simple solutions to tackle the problem at the source, and thus avoid the dreaded Monday morning clean-up for the volunteers.
Let’s take a closer look at the Parisian festival We Love Green , a 100% eco-responsible concept.
The We Love Green concept
The festival is powered exclusively by renewable energy. The generators on the main stages are powered by recycled vegetable oils, and the entire festival is equipped with low-energy lighting. A giant blue jellyfish called the New World, weighing over 400kg, serves as a marquee for festival-goers. It was made from recycled plastics recovered from nature and the sea. A great idea that should inspire all the events taking place in summer and needing a shelter in the shade!
On the food side, “zero waste” and “zero waste” policies are the order of the day. The collaboration between gastronomic cuisine and ecology is not a myth: starred chefs work with local farmers on the festival in order to encourage short circuits, and all tableware is entirely biodegradable and joins the leftovers to be transformed into compost. This will in turn be transformed into energy thanks to methanisation. Artists, restaurant owners, technicians, partners, festival-goers… everyone has their share of responsibility.
Events that are not always easy to manage
One of the obstacles that organisers face in implementing an eco-responsible concept is the festival-goers. They do not always take into account the rules of decorum. Since it is difficult to manage a large crowd, it is best to get to the root of the problem. That’s why We Love Green focuses on reducing its environmental footprint through energy and waste management, recycling, minimising waste and transport. Regarding the latter, there is no parking available. You will have to come by public transport and then finish the journey on foot. An example to follow in order to celebrate, but to celebrate responsibly!
