FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 5, 2008
London, ON: Three London Festivals Turning Over a Green Leaf
Propelled by the need to take bolder environmental steps, a coalition of forces has come together to turn over a green leaf for festivals in the Forest City. Representatives from three festivals including Home County Folk Festival, London Rib-Fest and SunFest are working with the City of London and Waste Free World to colour the 2008 festival season green.
"These festivals are an opportunity for the London community to come together and celebrate. People come to the festivals with family and friends and enjoy all we have to offer: the diversity of culture, art, music and food. Feeling good about our environmental impact is very much part of this experience."
Catherine McInnes, Artistic Director, HCFF
Festival organizers appreciated they have a long road ahead of them and look at the 2008 season to begin to make important first steps in "Turning Over a Green Leaf"
Areas to be targeted at all or some of the three festivals are:
- more recycling
- introducing composting and the use of compostable food and beverage containers
- accessible & free City water to replace the reliance on single-use plastic water bottles
- Bring-Your-Own picnic ware, reusable water-bottles, and shopping bags
- dish lending and dishwashing services
These are some of the ideas brought forward by Waste Free World, a group of engaged citizens in London who are eager to see the city make strides in waste diversion and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The group formed less than a year ago and has initiated the recent London Plastic Bag Project and Bring-Your-Own Campaign at Covent Garden Market.
"We know that greening the festivals is the tip of the melting iceberg but we think it is a great opportunity to educate Londoners and make a positive impact," said Trae Robinson, Waste Free representative "We are excited by the ripple effects of what people will take away from the festival. If we can make strides at these large festivals, others will be encouraged to 'green-up' their own summer events - everything from a family picnic to a neighbourhood event.
Festival organizers are treating 2008 as a pilot project and hope that many of the ideas tested by the three festivals will become policy by 2009. Any festivals or events interested in becoming part of the greening initiative are invited to contact Waste Free World. More information is available at wastefreeworld.org
This initiative has been made possible for Sunfest and Home County through financial support from TD - Canada Trust Friends of The Environment. Home County also received a grant from the London Community Foundation.
Contact Info:
Home County Folk Festival,
Catherine McInnes,
cathmcinnes@sympatico.ca
519-434-0510
Sunfest,
Bob Fletcher,
rfletcher8626@rogers.com
519-471-8626
London Rib-Fest,
Leigh-Anne Tyson,
ltyson@bgclondon.ca
519-434-9114
Waste Free World,
Maryanne MacDonald,
519-471-2428
City of London,
Krista Kearns,
kkearns@london.ca
519-661-2500 ext 2379
