After setting the lofty goal of hosting a four-day festival that attracts thousands of guests and only producing two bags of garbage, Sunshine Coast Festival of the Written Arts (FOWA) organizers weren't sure they could pull it off.
But now, thanks to clever planning, some innovative products and several key community partnerships, FOWA producer Jane Davidson said the writer's fest was a zero-waste event.
"It was amazing. Where-as in years past we have filled two dumpsters, this year, we are throwing two bags into one dumpster," Davidson said.
Davidson credits abandoning throwaway plastic cups and cutlery in favour of biodegradable substitutes made from sugar resins. She said once volunteers and attendees knew where to direct compostable recyclables and returnables and a little 'mucking about' in the recycling boxes, there was barely anything left to throw out.
Davidson was able to source the compostable products locally from Roberts Creek-based Wally's Eco Emporium.
FOWA organizers were also able to purchase the compostable materials with the help of a $1,500-grant from the Sunshine Coast Regional District. Direct Disposal owner Norm Bonin agreed to provide compost bins and empty them throughout the festival free of charge. The material was then taken to his compost facility where it was broken down into planting soil. Habitat for Humanity and Sunshine Coast Association for Community Living also joined to help with the collection of refundable bottles.
Writers and attendees at the event offered nothing but praise on the zero-waste initiative.
"I had so many comments from people, 'Good for you. It's what other events should be doing.' We got lots and lots and lots of positive feedback, and I don't think it was too terribly difficult for people to get," Davidson said.
As for next year, Davidson said organizers will plan to have even less waste through better signage and by streamlining the process.
"We're going to try to refine it. We'll never go back. It's doable and we won't go back to the old ways," she said.
