Zero Waste

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Sign up today to monitor the recycling and composting bins!
Last year only one bag of trash was created with everything else being recycled or composted.

To reduce the environmental impact of the Festival, as well as to highlight the curbside organics collection pilot project in Linden Hills, the Festival is going 'zero waste' again this year! Zero waste initiatives seek to eliminate (or at least minimize) any solid waste delivered to a landfill or incinerator. Instead, everything should be able to be recycled or composted. You will notice a number of changes at the Festival in support of this initiative such as no more styrofoam cups, no balloons, no plastic lids, no straws and other non-compostable or non-recyclable items. Small changes in our everyday choices can result in a significant impact and you can help!

Restrictions for Artists/Vendors:

There are some restrictions on what may be distributed, produced and/or provided at the Festival. Everything must be either recyclable or compostable. This does not apply to wares sold that are intended to be taken home (e.g., jewelry, artwork, etc…), but items that likely are to be disposed at the festival must be fit within the restrictions. Please keep in mind our goals as you prepare your booth and display. Items not in compliance with the zero waste initiative will not be allowed to be sold or distributed. For a complete list of what is and is not compostable click here.

What is compostable?

Food scraps, including fruit and vegetable peelings, meat, leftovers, etc. All paper products that are not currently recycled (e.g., tissues, paper towels, egg cartons, pop boxes, paper that's touched food e.g. paper plates, pizza boxes; waxed containers such as milk cartons, and packing from fridge and freezer products). Yard waste, coffee grounds and filters, tea bags, lint from your dryer, vacuum bags, old potted plants, and unusable old (non-synthetic) clothes.

What is recyclable?

Anything currently collected by the city of Minneapolis’ recycling program. Food cans, beverage cans, clean foil, glass bottles & jars, plastic bottles, newspaper, magazines, dry food boxes, office paper, batteries, and corrugated cardboard.

Notes to help you plan:

• Plastic packing tape and duct tape are not permitted. Masking tape is compostable however!
• If you intend to distribute candy or something similar at your booth, please note that plastic-wrapped candy (e.g., peppermints, most suckers) are not permitted. Paper-wrapped candy such as Tootsie Rolls are acceptable.
• What else is not acceptable? Foil packaging, styrofoam, plastic wrap, plastic lids for cups, plastic cups, straws, plastic utensils, balloons, plastic tubs, etc.

Questions?

Please contact Keiko Veasey at keikov@gmail.com if you have any specific questions about our Zero Waste initiative. Thank you for your efforts to make this initiative a success! We appreciate your compliance and support.