Keeping it Green & Blue

Here at the festival, we continue to work and advocate for a greener and healthier planet and to ensure our beautiful park is cared for. This year we are endeavouring to reduce our footprint on the environment even more.

NO BOTTLED WATER IS BEING SOLD  ON SITE THIS WEEKEND
To reduce or even eliminate our contribution to the plastic bottle waste, we’ve asked everyone to bring their own water containers to the festival this year. We’re providing fresh City drinking water FREE at stations located around the site. If you haven’t already, we urge you to bring your own water containers from home for your rehydration needs, or purchase a refillable water bottle at the Merchandise Tent (you’ll have a festival souvenir then, as well!).

METRO VANCOUVER will also have a water wagon on site as part of their efforts to provide the public with drinking water at events throughout the summer. They’re located in front of the Food Area.

Ride Sharing

One of the ways we can make a great weekend at the Festival less impactful on the environment is by taking fewer cars there. Ride-sharing is a great way to cut down on emissions and meet new fellow folkies at the same time. Click HERE to check out VFMF’s PickupPal group.

PLATES, CUPS AND UTENSILS
Our standard practice for years has been to supply real plates, which we washed at a special off-site facility. That facility has closed for the summer this year, so we’re using fully compostable plates instead. All our cups, stir sticks, eating utensils and even straws are compostable. Our thanks to Canada Green Pack for donating compostable plates and cutlery for backstage! And rest-assured, re-usable plates will be back in 2012.

When you bring your own “real” coffee cup, or purchase one on site, and fill it up at the Salt Spring Coffee booth at the festival, you’ll have a choice of getting 25 cents off the drink you buy or donating to the festival .Win, win, win.

RECYCLE AND COMPOST
Reducing the number of garbage cans on the festival site is our way of encouraging you to be mindful of your consumption. Look for the signs and put your waste, compost and recyclables in the appropriate bins. We recycle paper and plastic and appropriate food products for compost (i.e. all food material except raw meat). Please put your waste and stuff in the receptacles provided, not on the ground! Remember to clean up after yourself throughout the weekend, too.

HEALTH NOTES AND REGULATIONS
Please don’t wash your dishes at public taps, as this may contaminate the park. City health regulations forbid the use of plates or cutlery from home. Festival vendors cannot serve you food on your own plate. Feel free to use your own cups and napkins, however.

MODO CAR COOP is driving us around the block again! And thank goodness for that! With 200-plus performers, 100 drivers and tons of equipment to haul, we are happy to have Modo on site.  Using a car cooperative for our transportation requirements is a partnership that benefits us all. We encourage our drivers and fans to become members year-round; it’s a positive step towards decreasing our carbon footprint.
Go to our website and join the ride share program.

Cigarette-iquette
A Vancouver Parks Board bylaw prohibits smoking in all municipal parks. If you must smoke, please do so outside the park and away from others. We suggest bring a tin or a bag for your fully-extinguished tobacco waste.

RESPECT THE POND AND MARSH
Jericho Marsh is home to bullfrogs, turtles, dragonflies, birds and other creatures. When we visit the park over the weekend, be mindful of their habitat. Please do not disturb them in any way.

PLEASE DON’T!
PICK PLANTS OR FLOWERS
REMOVE LEAVES OR BRANCHES FROM OUR BEAUTIFUL TREES
ENTER THE POND, EVER!
FEED THE BIRDS !!!

PLEASE DO!
Think about and plan what you bring to the site. Minimize the amount you leave behind.
Walk, take the bus, carpool or ride your bike to the festival.
Help us keep our park and environment beautiful.
Have a wonderful, fun, safe and healthy festival!