Sustainability

Our statement

Many of our events take place outside amidst the lush nature of the Old Botanical Garden. The beauty of nature is part of the staging and the special experience. The goal is to preserve this beauty by using resources carefully and sustainably. All constructions are made and dismantled in such a way that no meadows, trees or other plants are damaged.

What is a common sight at many open air festivals, you will not find at our festival: Mass arrivals in cars, trampled meadows, tons of disposable dishes, fast food and chemical toilets. It is true that our festival is also a great common celebration - we celebrate the written and spoken word, the stars on stage, the stars in the night sky and the magic of balmy summer nights! But we celebrate prudently and respectfully towards the residents and towards nature, which grants us hospitality in the idyllic Old Botanical Garden.

Sustainable criteria are taken into account in all areas of the festival organization: From the purchase of regional and organically certified products to strategies for waste avoidance and the reduction and compensation of CO2 emissions.

With various measures we try to keep the ecological footprint of our festival events as small as possible and to implement the goals of sustainability:


Our checklist

1. resources

  • Superstructures and equipment (e.g. bar, tables, stage) are rented and reused.
  • Elements and means of stage design are produced locally, sustainably and for multi-year use - often handmade.
  • Our mobile sanitary facilities (omposting toilets) are produced in an environmentally sustainable manner, are chemical free, and protect drinking water. The collected residual materials are converted into stable humus soil.
  • All paper products in the hygiene area are made of recycled paper (e.g. toilet paper)
  • We mainly use digital advertising options (e.g. homepage, newsletter, email, social networks).
  • Our printed materials (flyers, programs) are printed entirely on certified fresh fiber paper (FSC certificate). The print run and number of pages is limited to the necessary extent. The printed materials are distributed in a targeted manner. The press documents are only available digitally and will not be printed out.
  • We don't distribute any promotional gifts and giveaways.


2. waste

  • The event area (incl. sanitary facilities) will be cleaned by our staff daily before the park opening hours.
  • We provide clearly visible waste containers during the festival.
  • Our staff will ensure the proper separation and emptying of the waste containers.
  • Recyclable materials (glass bottles, cardboard, garbage, etc.) are disposed of separately and recycled wherever possible.
  • The ongoing cleanliness and maintenance of the festival grounds and the event facilities generates mindfulness among visitors and encourages them to treat the areas with care themselves.
  • Measures against littering: Litter that is not created cannot end up on the ground. That is why we do not use disposable tableware. The drinks are served in glasses, which are washed and reused after use. We provide sufficient ashtrays and refrain from distributing flyers and give-aways.


3. mobility

  • The venue is easily accessible by streetcar, bicycle or on foot.
  • There are no Incentives to travel by car: no parking spaces are available.
  • Accommodation for performing artists is located close to the venue (10-15 minutes on foot).

4. catering

  • The required tableware will be reused: Drinks at the bar will not be served in plastic cups, but in glasses that will be cleaned after the event and reused the next day.
  • Food service is carefully planned and purchases are made as needed to avoid surpluses and food waste.
  • Our food at the bar is either vegetarian or vegan. No meat, no fish, no seafood. If animal products are used, then from species-appropriate animal husbandry.
  • The products used are from controlled organic cultivation.
  • Products that do not grow in our latitudes due to climatic conditions (coffee, tea, spices) come from fair trade.
  • The fruits and vegetables are seasonal.
  • The products and ingredients used are regional.
  • Leftover food, drinks and ingredients are used or distributed by ourselves.
  • Exotic fruits (bananas, pineapples, etc.) are not used.
  • All paper products in the catering area are made of recycled paper (e.g. kitchen roll, napkins).


5. energy

  • If possible, our performing artists travel by public transport.
  • Flights are booked CO2 neutral: compensation of CO2 emissions.
  • The amount of lighting is reduced to a minimum. The recommendations of the FOPH for measures against light pollution are implemented.
  • Equipment, lighting, etc. will be left on only as long as needed.


6. social responsibility

  • Compliance with legal regulations (prohibition of the sale of alcoholic beverages to young people under 18 years of age and to people who are openly drunk) will be ensured.
  • Attractive, lower-priced alternatives to alcoholic beverages are offered.
  • We strive to keep noise emissions as low as possible for residents.
  • For financially weaker groups of the population (pupils/students, AHV-/IV-beneficiaries, Kulturlegi) most events are offered with a discount.
  • Access to the venue, the festival grounds and the sanitary facilities is barrier-free.
  • For people in wheelchairs, we provide adequate seats with good visibility after advance notification. Admission for the accompanying person is free.
  • People who are physically unable to attend our events due to an impairment can visit the festival online. For this purpose, we provide high-quality produced livestreams that can be watched on our digital stage.
  • We guarantee fair working conditions for our employees and contracted service providers.
  • We pay adequate fees to our performing artists.