ADE Conference 2019 hosted the launch of the Green Deal ‘Circular Festivals’ by the Dutch Minister of Environment Stientje van Veldhoven.
The Green Deal is an initiative of the Dutch Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management and Green Events International. The participating festivals collectively committed to sharing knowledge and developing circular solutions for the international event industry.
The participating festivals of Green Deal Cicular Festivals are Amsterdam Open Air, Best Kept Secret, Boardmasters, Body & Soul, Shambala, Boomtown, Down the Rabbit Hole, DGTL, Eurosonic-Noorderslag, Into the Great Wide Open, Lollapalooza Berlin, Lowlands, Mañana Mañana, Milkshake, North Sea Jazz, Roskilde, Shambala, Vierdaagse Feesten, We Love Green and Zwarte Cross.
The organizers collectively want to set the standard for sustainability in the event industry. They strive for circularity in 2025, by developing solutions that can be put into practice by other festivals worldwide. The Green Deal is unique; it is the first time that this many international leading festivals are joining forces for such a cause.
The Dutch Minister of Environment Stientje van Veldhoven stated:
“ We have to stop wasting our resources and focus on circularity. We must reuse materials and turn them into new products. For our planet, for a healthy future. Circularity is our way forward! So, let’s coordinate our efforts, share what we learn and make a difference together.” Paul Schurink of Green Events International adds: “Collaboration is the key to the urgently needed change in how we deal with energy, water, food, mobility, plastic and other materials. And with a combined number of over three million festival visitors we can make an enormous impact.”