The Winnipeg Folk Festival has been recognized for its environmentally-friendly efforts by receiving a prestigious award.
The 2013 A Greener Festival Award is an internationally recognized independent award for environmentally aware festivals throughout Europe, North America and Australia.
To be able to receive the award, the Folk Festival had to meet a strict checklist of environmental practices and pass an inspection by environmental auditors. Qualifying festivals are invited to provide supporting evidence such as environmental policies, waste management plans, analysis of CO2 and other greenhouse gas emissions.
This year, the festival composted 13,395 kg of organic material, and recycled 11,461 kg. Carbon reduction initiatives including an assisted bike ride to Birds Hill Park, free transit and shuttle services for patrons, volunteers, and performers are also part of the festival’s green footprint.
In 2014, the festival will also be bottle-water free.
Early bird tickets go on sale on Saturday, November 30. The 2014 Winnipeg Folk Festival takes places July 9-13, 2014 in Birds Hill Provincial Park. Kids 12 and under are free but must be accompanied by an adult.
