S6E2: Feeling the Joy of Sustainable Events

Daithí is joined by Áine May Hughes from Native Events to discuss sustainability in festivals and events and bust some myths around where the biggest impacts really lie. We learn all about how Native Events are working to lower emissions, reduce waste, and make events more circular through their consultancy, event production and eco event hire. Áine walks us through the key impact areas, underscoring transport and food & beverage as being overlooked for their impact as opposed to energy or waste and we gain insight into how Native Events tackles the challenges of each impact area in a way which caters to the specific needs of each event, from its size to its audience, to its location. We uncover the truth on the reusable versus single-use plastic cup debate as well as finding out if biodegradable serveware is as sustainable as we think. Whilst Native Events works with local authorities to offer sustainability guidelines, Áine describes events like festivals as being ‘like their own little townships’ and explains how commitment and action from both attendees and organisers is required to create an effective shift in attitude and behaviour. Whether you’re attending this summer’s biggest music festival or organising a small community event Áine’s advice is sure to leave you with the knowledge and inspiration to make a change! Thanks very much to Emma Sheridan for support with research, design and promotion. **Links** 1\. Native Events: https://www.nativeevents.ie/ 2\. Sustainability at Shambala Festival: https://www.shambalafestival.org/sustainability/ 3\. Killarney Coffee Cup Project: https://killarney.ie/killarney-coffee-cup-project/ 4\. Laois County Council Green Your Festival Kit: https://laois.ie/climate-action/community-climate-action/green-your-festival 5\. MIT Climate Machine analysis of 80,000 live shows across the US and UK: https://climatemachine.mit.edu/ 6\. Sustainability at Coldplay Music of the Spheres World Tour: https://sustainability.coldplay.com/section/power/ 7\. Fáilte Ireland Sustainable Festivals Guidelines 2023: https://www.failteireland.ie/FailteIreland/media/WebsiteStructure/Documents/Product\Development/Festivals\Events/failte-ireland-sustainable-festivals-guidelines-2023.pdf 8\. Guide to Plastic Free Festivals & Events: https://mywaste.ie/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Guide-to-Plastic-Free-Festivals-Events-April-2024.pdf