a circular festival model
circularity
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A circular economy, is a 'systems-focused approach and involves industrial processes and economic activities that are restorative or regenerative by design, enable resources used in such processes and activities to maintain their highest value for as long as possible' (EPA)
Guiding Principle
A systems focus approach
waste is only a symptom of the problem - the process design is the cause.
Charters + Policy
1. No single-use items
Specifically plastic or disposable are not permitted. Including vendor provisions.
2. Merchandise values-based framework
merchandise materials are often unsustainably created. We propose a criteria/
scale-based framework which assesses:
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traceability/transparency
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material type (environmental and social impact of production process)
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accessibility and
feasibility
in detail
Phases for implementation are developed with reference to the planning, delivery and post-festival stages. We have ranked each step by impact and effort, to help you prioritise resourcing and investment in the objective.
phases for
implementation
priority
rank
p1
Reimagine Materials for Visual Identification
1. use non-plastic based materials i.e. paper; bio-plastic alternatives such as seaweed bioplastic for 'visual checking items' such as wristbands
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1.
Promoting Slow Pre-Festival Purchases
1. encourage patrons and performers to use upcycled or second hand fashion and other items (e.g. tent) through out the festival
2. encourage patrons bringing food or drink to use hardware over disposables;
3. Promote care for environment / site and clean campsite behavior prior and during the festival (through visual assets and active communication)
2.
Asset Design
1. use found or recycled materials to create visual elements of a festival; locally sourced preferred
2.
Merchandise Resourcing
1. applying the value matrix,
2. Deposit system for trading in old merchandise / clothing
3. Bioplastic ponchos are a thing! Consider sourcing alternatives to single-use/disposable ponchos. (see here)
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Material Structures
consider alternatives to plastic or (materials with high footprint and emissions) for trackway, fencing, and temporal structures.
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2.
3.
4.
p2
Participatory Waste Sorting and Management
1. patrons can participate in waste sorting for reward/token; active participation through the festival promotes considerate behaviour and allows for more efficient turn over of waste processing (see more on the waste aspect of the model here).
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8.
p3
Incentivise Campsite Clean-Up
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incentivise campsite clean-ups at the end of festival through; volunteer encouragement; competitions, etc.
Waste and Resource Sharing
Pooling resources with other organisations and events to share and repurpose/revalue assets
Visual ID drop box
wristbands and lanyards are returned upon exiting the festival and can be recycled or re-used depending on material.
5.
7.
6.
opportunities / design propositions
See the full list
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Material Exchanges Hub
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Emerging Seaweed Construction Materials
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Seaweed bioplastic visual checks - lanyards, wristbands
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Merchandise BYO tee
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Seaweed + Sustainable Seating
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Bioplastic Rain Ponchos
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Seaweed + Sustainable Shelters
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Seaweed Safety Replacements