We’re Green!
Event operations can pose big challenges in terms of resource management, but the Dodge Foundation is committed to minimizing the Festival’s environmental impact. Our partners at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center and the City of Newark are enthusiastically joining us in this process.
This year, we engaged Seven-Star Inc., the nation's premier “green” full-service event company focusing on environmentally responsible and socially respectful festivals, trade and consumer expositions, conferences and concerts. The main focus of Seven-Star’s effort will be a major waste diversion effort.
How Can You Be Green?
Resource Recovery Stations (there is no “away” when dealing with trash)As you are walking through the Poetry Village, you will see clearly marked waste recovery stations that target recyclable materials, compostable materials and solid waste. Members of the volunteer Green Team will help ensure proper separation at the stations, and additional members will carefully sort through every bag collected to further prevent contamination of the recycling and compost streams. The goal is for the recycling stream to divert 85 percent of the “waste” generated by Festival goers from landfills, and for the compost effort to divert 50 percent of organic material discarded by Festival goers. Seven-Star estimates that as much as 35,000 pounds of solid waste will be recycled and 12,000 pounds of organic materials will be composted.
Water Refill Stations
The Festival is also providing free water refill stations in an effort to reduce the consumption of plastic water bottles. Through these complimentary water stations, we hope to divert the equivalent of three plastic water bottles per person over eight hours (on average) from landfill.
Getting HereLeave the car at home and take advantage of Newark’s extensive public transportation system. This will help us reduce the carbon footprint of the Festival.
Green Products
Festival t-shirts and tote bags are made from organic cotton and printed with the latest eco-friendly inks.
We’re Green, but we’re not done. Stop by our information tent to share your ideas for greener practices.