Environmental Sustainability of Music Festivals
Channel: JMU ISAT
Date: 2017-07-01

Full Title: Environmental Sustainability of Music Festivals: An Integrative Approach to Reducing the Environmental Impact of Festivals, by Hope Barnstead, Taylor Garrenton, and Jack Shea
Advised by: Dr. Shannon Conley and Dr. Steven Frysinger
Abstract: Present day music festivals are built on a strong foundation: freedom, community, and an undeniable love of music. But, as these festivals continue to grow and expand on these values, one critical value often tends to be overlooked: their impact on the environment. It is important that music festivals openly promote environmentally sustainable practices and devise ways in which festival goers can easily put these practices into place and festival planners can actively challenge themselves to continuously reduce their environmental impact. This project aims to take a deeper look into current environmental practices implemented on small and large scale festivals, and provide practical steps and insight into increasing the effectiveness of those practices in the future as well as develop new ones. This will be accomplished through meetings with festival directors and environmental specialists, volunteer field work at multiple festivals, and an in-depth literature review. A guide book containing specific ways to increase environmental consciousness for both festival planners and goers will be developed to serve as a tool in the planning and execution of music festivals.