GREEN NESS
We really do practice what we preach. One of the pillars of our organization is Ecology and with that comes being good stewards of this land. Recognizing the impact large events can have on the environment, we aim to reduce our ecological footprint by implementing comprehensive waste reduction strategies. A lot of the practices we have on site - from no single use water bottles to compostable cutlery at food vendors - are designed in this spirit.
in 2022, Ness creek music festival won the Waste Minimization Award for Festival/Event at the Saskatchewan Waste Reduction Awards.
These Awards recognize excellence in waste reduction in Saskatchewan, and are intended to promote leadership and inspire all sectors to undertake waste reduction activities.
PAST WASTE AUDITS
| Year | Compostables | Cans & Bottles | Other Recyclables | Landfill Waste | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| # Bags | 2018 | 66 | 79 | 12 | 42 | 199 |
| % Waste | 2018 | 33% | 40% | 6% | 20% | 100% |
| # Bags | 2017 | 69 | 230 | 66 | 53 | 418 |
| % Waste | 2017 | 16.5% | 55% | 16% | 12.5% | 100% |
HOW YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE
REDUCE PACKING
Remove unnecessary packaging at home, before leaving for the festival. Food items are a likely target with their many layers of plastic and cardboard, but also consider the toys and camping gear you’re bringing. Reusable plastic bins are a great way to store all your items to take to the festival and also to take home.
RETHINK FOOD PORTIONS
Prepare food in sensible quantities that your group can finish in a single sitting - leftovers will quickly become a liability. Coordinate with campmates as to what each person is bringing to minimize group waste.
DO NOT POUR LEFTOVER GAS ON SITE!
This is toxic! You wouldn’t do this in your backyard - please don’t do it in ours.
USE THE ECO-STATIONS
Take all of your waste (trash, recyclables, and compostables) to the eco-stations located near your campsite regularly throughout the weekend. This will help to keep your site bear-safe. Eco-station volunteers will help you sort your waste to be properly disposed of.
PACK IT IN, PACK IT OUT
Do not leave behind old bikes, camp chairs, tents, couches, etc. We still have to dispose of them if you don’t and that’s an expensive and time-consuming effort.
CAMP SWEEPS
Keep a clean campsite throughout the festival weekend; periodically walking around your site and picking up anything that’s not a part of the natural environment, as well as picking up trash that you find or create in other parts of the festival site. Be conscious of small trash particles such as matches, nails, cigarette butts, gum wrappers, feathers, plastic tie wraps, and more. And remember that food waste such as peanut shells, orange peels, and eggshells also need to be disposed of appropriately.
After packing up your campsite, do a final sweep for small trash items that may have been hidden under tarps, tents, and vehicles.
no glow sticks
We have a no glow sticks policy at our festival. Not only are they single use plastics, they’re often disposed of improperly and their remnants end up left behind in our beautiful forest. There are many cost effective light alternatives available these days! From light up LED light strings and headbands, there’s plenty of ways for you to light up your Ness experience without glow sticks.
GRAB A BUTT PACK
Please don’t toss your butts in the forest. If you’re a smoker, please grab a butt pack! Every year we have a limited amount of personal butt packs available for free at the Info Booth and Merch Booth. It fits in your pocket and you can conveniently put your butts out no matter where you are. Once it’s full, empty it in a garbage. Plus, the butt backs always feature the festival artwork so it’s a rather nifty keepsake. We’ve even heard there are collectors.