Our Sustainable Festival Policy
Festival of Voices is committed to delivering a vibrant and inspiring event while minimising our environmental impact, modelling best practice in sustainability for the arts and cultural sector.
In alignment with Tasmania’s clean and green values, we commit to embedding sustainability across all aspects of our festival planning, delivery, and partnerships. We strive to be an environmentally responsible event that supports our community, protects our surroundings, and leads positive change.
Our Goals
- Carbon Reduction: Minimise our emissions across travel, energy, and operations.
- Waste Minimisation: Reduce landfill through better materials choices and recycling.
- Sustainable Procurement: Choose local, ethical, and eco-friendly suppliers.
- Community Engagement: Encourage audiences and partners to act sustainably.
Our Commitments
1. Responsible Resource Use
- Use renewable and responsibly sourced materials.
- Conserve energy and reduce emissions through energy-efficient equipment, LED lighting, and smart usage practices.
- Partner with renewable energy providers
2. Waste Minimisation
- Maintain clearly marked compost, recycling, and landfill stations at events.
- Eliminate single-use plastics across all operations, including balloons, glitter, straws, water bottles, and plastic bags.
- Ensure all disposable food packaging is certified compostable.
- Reuse 90% of signage and styling materials each year.
3. Sustainable Transport
- Maintain 80% of venues within walking distance of each other or public transport.
- Promote public transport, walking, and ride-sharing
- Support use of low-emissions or shared vehicles
4. Ethical Procurement
- Prioritise local, ethical suppliers who share our sustainability values.
- Highlight sustainable suppliers and partners in our programming and communications.
- Purchase second-hand or hire equipment and furniture where possible.
5. Low-Impact Marketing
- Reduce printed materials to 10% of total communications.
- Use digital tickets, schedules, and promotional tools (e.g. QR codes, mobile apps).
- Reuse print assets and branding items wherever possible.
6. Sustainable Food & Beverage
- Source food and drink locally to minimise transport emissions.
- Work only with vendors that use compostable packaging.
- Encourage reusable cups and low-waste practices for attendees.
7. Environmental Awareness & Behaviour Change
- Run sustainability awareness campaigns.
- Provide incentives for attendees who act sustainably (e.g. reusable bottles, carpooling).
- Include digital education on environmental best practices.
8. Continuous Improvement
- Conduct energy and waste audits.
- Review and report on sustainability targets post-event.
- Set measurable goals each year to reduce environmental impact and promote responsible operations.
We continue to monitor, evaluate and evolve our practices to be part of a more sustainable future for Tasmania and the arts.
Want to Know More About Our Sustainability Mission?
We’re proud of the steps we’re taking towards a more sustainable future. If you’d like to learn more, we’d be happy to share our Sustainability Report with you.
Please contact our General Manager [email protected] to learn more.
