Recycling and composting of garbage are important considerations at the event. (Daniel Ng/2007 Whole Earth Festival archival photo)
Zero waste in this place
In cooperation with the R4 recycling program, the festival is a zero-waste event, which means that everything will be recycled or composted.
To avoid using bottled water, there will be a station that allows you to fill up your reusable cups or water bottles.
Even all the dishware will be washed and re-used; in fact, there is a deposit on each plate, spoon, fork, and cup you use to discourage you from throwing them away. Once you return the items, your money will be refunded.
And don’t worry about remembering all the rules. In case you forget, there will be Karma Patrollers surrounding the area to make sure you are keeping with the theme.
In the past, 97 percent of the festival waste was recycled or composted. The remaining 3 percent comprised diapers and plastic bags. Because the celebration reinforces sustainability, all merchants and vendors are expected to follow the rules as well.
As Lindi Houser, the festival’s co–director, states, “You can expect to leave the Whole Earth Festival feeling whole with the Earth.”
— Phat “Andy” Dang