Galway Arts Festival 2011, in association with Galway City Council and the Environment Protection Agency LAPN Programme, ‘greened’ this year’s festival and reduced its environmental impact.
As part of its commitment making the Festival ‘Green Aware’, festival events and venues adopted green principles, including waste reduction, recycling, energy and water conservation.
Businesses in the city supported the initiative by becoming Green Festival Members and by also committing to improve their environmental performance by following a simple 10–step approach. Through the programme, businesses saw a reduction in waste, water and energy usage, as well as a reduction in costs. Green Festival Members were also promoted as green businesses throughout the festival, setting the foundations for Galway City to become a green, sustainable destination for future visitors and business.
The Galway Arts Festival 2001 also encouraged all festival goers to support their efforts by following these simple steps:
- Never litter. If you can’t find a bin, keep your waste with you and ask a steward or volunteer where the closest bin is.
- Recycle. Do your best to segregate waste; place recyclables in the recycling bin and, where provided, use the food waste bin for food waste and napkins.
- Reduce waste. Say no to items you’re not going to use, such as napkins, sachets and straws. Try to avoid disposable items.
- Be energy efficient. Switch off appliances and lights when leaving home.
- Travel smarter. Use public transport, walk, cycle or car share to and from festival events, if possible.
- Be water wise. Don’t leave taps running in the toilets. If you spot a leak, tell the event organisers.
- Buy local. Try to buy local during the festival; you will be supporting the local economy and sustaining local jobs.
Well done Galway!
Click here to see more about the Galway Arts Festival 2011 ‘Green Aware’ Programme
Download the Greening Galway Arts Festival brochure click here.
Claire Kelly & Dr Mary Stack of Cork County Council [Local Authority Waste Prevention Network] have challenged all stallholders at the Midleton Food & Drink Festival [September 11th] to become a Green Member and implement environmentally sustainable practices at their stalls.
Those that agreedwere rewarded with a Green Member Flag which will be on display on the day.
This year the Midleton Food & Drink Festival Committee worked closely with the Waste Prevention Unit of Cork County Council to Green the Festival. It was achieved through the participation of all stakeholders, including event organisers, volunteers, stallholders and visitors.
To learn more about the Greening of Midleton Food and Drink Festival click here
To hear a podcast of a radio advert for the Festival Greening click here
Cavan is gearing up for Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2010 which will be the first Green Fleadh – ‘An Fleadh Ghlais’.
As part of its work on the Green Fleadh, Cavan County Council is undertaking several initiatives and working with pubs and restaurants in Cavan Town and environs, providing them with:
- An Enviromental Policy
- Advice about waste, energy & water
- An assessment of the premises
- The identification of prevention measures
- Advice about forming a GreenTeam & Action Plan
- A documentation folder for the project
- A Green Fleadh window sticker for their premises, and
- Advice about joining an Eco-Label system etc
So far the uptake has been 99%.
Cavan County Council took out an advertisement in local media inviting businesses to enter into the Fleadh Ghlas which has been very successful and has provided two workshops this year for the hospitality sector. It is also incorporating Fair Trade into the programme and Cavan Town Council is applying for Town Fair Trade Status. Most of the caterers are already serving Fair Trade coffee but had not put up the relevant logo signage or put it on the menu.
Publicans in the town are examining a range of options about using the environmentally friendly ‘Fleadh Cup’ for outdoor drinking.
Local Hotels have become Members and are working on the Green Hospitality Programme.
Cavan County Council has invited a list of 15 large businesses & industry to take part in the Green Fleadh by entering into the Green Business Programme.
