Canada’s Largest Ribfest 100% Green Program
Since 2004, Canada’s Largest Ribfest and the Rotary Club of Burlington Lakeshore
have worked toward creating an event where environmentalism is a top priority!
The environment is important to all of us, and what better way to show our
appreciation for beautiful Burlington than to ensure that this event produces
only biodegradable waste and 100% recyclable material.
In 2010, Canada’s Largest Ribfest diverted, recycled and composted 46.57 tonnes of waste, including 9.5 tonnes of recyclables, 28.6 tonnes of biodegradables, and 8.47 tonnes of garbage. All told, Canada’s Largest Ribfest diverted 82 per cent of all waste generated at the festival. (This also includes items that were brought by on-site visitors). As a result of forward-thinking and proactive approach to environmental protection, Canada’s Largest Ribfest has become the model for festivals by the Recycling Council of Ontario.
To accomplish our goal means that our Ribbers, Food Vendors and Support Service Providers have to comply with our guidelines. They must all ensure that any consumables they use must be biodegradable or recyclable. In addition to the consumable regulation, we also confirm that the local recycling facilities are able to process the material.
We have ensured that the products chosen, such as containers and utensils, meet both of these criteria for recyclability and biodegradability. Here is the list of products that you’ll see at Canada’s Largest Ribfest:
Fun Green Facts:
We identified the following products that would meet our requirements – all are biodegradable!
- Fibre-based Food Containers – For those great-tasting Ribs!
- Wooden Utensils
- Paper Napkins
- Corn Starch-based Cups – For those tasty, cold beverages!
- Fibre-based Cups – For those tasty, hot beverages!
- Paper Bags – Ready for Take-Out!
- Available in recyclable containers: bottled water and canned pop
How will we implement this during our festival you ask?
Well, once we have controlled the input, then we can more easily control the output!
Canada’s Largest Ribfest will provide “Green Bin” (biodegradable) and “Blue Bin” (recycling) containers for the public to use. We will also have several stations where people can take waste to be sorted.
Public education is also a large part of our plan. Informing the public about what is suitable to place in the Green Bin – wooden utensils, food leftovers, corn-starch cups (even though they look like plastic!) As part of our public education program, we will proactively inform people about the environmental initiatives of Canada’s Largest Ribfest through the website, digital newsletters, signage at the park during the festival, and with the help of our media partners to assist in promoting this very important initiative.
And for back-up, we have our Recycling Staff on hand to help with any questions during the event and to sort through the containers after the event to make sure that everything was put in the correct container!
For more information about our program or for a media / public relations please contact Media & Public Relations.
