Zero Waste Linden Hills Festival - HUGE SUCCESS!

THERE WAS ONLY HALF A BAG OF TRASH PRODUCED AT THE LINDEN HILLS FESTIVAL! No joke! Seriously!

There were probably 2,000-3,000 people attending the Festival on Saturday (despite being a bit cold and blustery)...all eating loads of food and having lots of fun. But - at the end of the day, all we ended up with that wasn't either recyclable or compostable is pictured here...less than one bag!

How did we do it?

• created disposal stations with separate containers for trash, compostables, and recyclables, and had the station monitored with volunteers to help folks dispose of stuff in the appropriate container
• made minor adjustments in food service so that everything would be compostable (e.g., corn-based spoons, bulk condiments instead of individual packets, paper wrapped hot dogs instead of foil, no lids for hot cups, etc...)
• covered the rented tables with recycled kraft paper from a large roll instead of plastic table coverings
• instructed (and assisted) all vendors and exhibitors about complying with our zero waste goal
• rented compost carts from the city of Minneapolis to collect organic materials
• collected misc plastic film & wrap to deposit at 'it's in the bag' collection site
  
• had the BEST VOLUNTEERS EVER!

Thanks to all the marvelous volunteers who served as 'disposal monitors' and especially to my awesome crew at the end of the day! We couldn't have done it without you! Thanks also to all the vendors and exhibitors who complied with the rules so that we ended up with nearly ZERO WASTE.

So - how's that for a example of a 'green party?' If we can do it for an open, free, community event like the Linden Hills Festival, then surely you can do it for just about any event!