A Sustainable Fair? Yes, Indeed
We all know fairs and festivals are fun – after all, that’s why we go to them! But did you also know that fairs and festivals are big generators of trash? Trash that typically goes to a landfill? Now the last thing we want to do at the Gravenstein Apple Fair is harsh your vibe (it’s West Sonoma County, after all) with a guilt trip about enjoying yourself while visiting the “sweetest little Fair in Sonoma County.” So, you’ll be delighted to know that you can attend the Fair guilt-free because it also aspires to be the “greenest little Fair in Sonoma County!”
And that’s not just hype! At the November 17th Zero Waste Sonoma Board of Directors meeting, the countywide board that’s responsible for waste diversion programs and education, Sonoma County Farm Trails’ Gravenstein Apple Fair was recognized with a first of its kind, Green Resolution noting the nonprofit’s outstanding service and commitment to the community and environment.
You may be thinking, “great, so the Fair won an award, but what did they really do to support a greener event?” Funny you should ask…
Greening Wins, by the Numbers
With over 14,000 fairgoers, vendors, volunteers, and staff at the two-day August event, Sonoma County Farm Trails successfully diverted 95 percent of the Gravenstein Apple Fair’s waste, making it the most sustainable festival in the organization’s 49-year history.
The impressive diversion statistics include:
- 20 cubic yards of recycling
- 12 cubic yards of truly compostable paper goods
- 205 pounds of good surplus food to food banks
- 7,000 pounds of food scraps for a local pig farm
The result? Only 3 cubic yards of garbage, or the equivalent to a little over a standard pickup bed, was disposed of in the local landfill – a whopping 5 yards less than in 2019!
Mark Your Calendars!
Plan to come and be part of the Gravenstein Apple Fair’s 50th year, Golden Anniversary celebration on August 12 – 13 at Ragle Ranch Regional Park in Sebastopol, CA. Additional Fair information is available at GravensteinAppleFair.com.
It’s a party you won’t want to miss! And you can attend with a clear conscience knowing that all the delicious food, wonderful libations, and amazing music that guests enjoy will be sustainable and green. How can you go wrong?
