The Scotsman

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Festivals have role to play to help hit climate targets says Catriona Patterson

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Festivals play a key role in the life of Edinburgh and Scotland, and contribute significan­tly to the social and economic wealth of the country, yet their environmen­tal impact is often more difficult to understand. Scotland has some of the most ambitious climate change targets in the world - aims which must be addressed by all parts of society, government and commerce if we are to build a more sustainabl­e Scotland.

There are many ways that both those attending, and those involved in the summer festivals can green their participat­ion in these ways: Travel: Although often one of the less visible aspects of sustainabi­lity, the environmen­tal impact of travel to summer festivals is significan­t, with the pollution produced by audience and performer flights a big part of any cultural event’s carbon footprint. Taking flights only when it’s the sole method of transport available, travelling by train and coach when coming from the other home countries or northern Europe, and walking, using bikes or public transport when in the local area is the key. Less traffic improves air quality and personal fitness. Being sustainabl­e in the city: A phenomenon frequently observed at festivals is that people, outside of their normal routines, will typically abandon their ‘pro-environmen­tal behaviour’ for less sustainabl­e ways of living. However, it’s possible for anyone coming to the summer festivals to be more sustainabl­e. For example, filling up reusable water bottle (including at the drinking water points at the Edinburgh Internatio­nal Book Festival’s site) is a simple way to reduce the waste caused by excess plastic bottles. The Edinburgh Festival Fringe also runs a reuse initiative (the Fringe Swap Shop) at the end of August, encouragin­g performing companies to donate props and costumes for other participan­ts or the public to take them home for a new lease of life. Flyers and Printing: Bright posters and flyers are synonymous with the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, and a traditiona­l form of show marketing that attracts audiences, but also creates a lot of very visible waste. Changing this needs both performing companies and audience members to help reduce demand for wasted printing. Companies can request carbon-neutral printing, request recycled paper from their suppliers to reduce the environmen­tal impact of their print at its source, or think about running online campaigns. Why not take a photo of a show’s flyer on your phone? You get the details in an easily found format, and you give the flyer back to the company to use again. Environmen­tal Sustainabi­lity in show subject: Greater still are the artistic opportunit­ies that the festivals provide, which can drive positive environmen­tal change. Arts events are occasions where people come together to have their lives reflected back at them, so when festival shows directly address environmen­tal concerns, they bring these issues to the surface.

The Edinburgh Fringe Sustainabl­e Practice Award celebrates the Fringe shows that best address sustainabi­lity in either practical production or content – whether that’s imagining what a world with climate change might look like, or how characters’ stories may be affected.

But sustainabi­lity is not just for the season. There are also lots of year-round art and sustainabi­lity activities that take place outside the summer season: check Creative Carbon Scotland and the Green Arts Initiative to learn more. l Catriona Patterson is Green Arts Manager of charity Creative Carbon Scotland, which encourages sustainabi­lity in the cultural sector

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