Raising the Bar: A Greener Future for the Fall Fair Toward a “No Waste” Event

When thousands of people come together for the Fall Fair, they also generate a significant amount of waste. This year, we have an opportunity to change what happens to that waste—and demonstrate that a community event can be both successful and environmentally responsible.
At the heart of this effort will be a centralized waste and recycling centre, where volunteers will help attendees sort compost, returnable containers, recyclables and garbage into the correct streams.
It may seem like a simple change, but it can have a significant impact.

At busy events, recycling and composting only work when people know what goes where. A centralized, clearly marked station removes much of the guesswork.

Additionally, all compostable materials will be delivered directly to a large industrial composter that turns organic waste into a rich soil booster. This vital system prevents a lot of SS waste from being hauled off-island and provides an important service for local livestock farmers, as well as compost for local farmers and gardeners.

Bringing Big-Festival Thinking to Our Community

Alongside the centralized sorting centre, the Fair will encourage greater use of reusable cups and reusable items, helping reduce dependence on single-use products. Keeping recyclable and compostable materials out of the garbage can also reduce the volume of waste requiring disposal—and ultimately help lower costs.
But the real value goes beyond what happens to a cup, container or plate.
Turning Waste into an Opportunity to Learn
This year's centralized waste and recycling centre is an important first step toward making the Fall Fair a model for no waste community events—one that could eventually inspire other festivals and gatherings across the Gulf Islands and beyond.
And we need the community to make it work.

Volunteers are needed for just two-hour shifts on September 12 and 13 to help guide attendees at the sorting station. No previous experience is necessary; volunteers will receive guidance on how the system works. Kindly sign up here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090A4DAEAF2EA6F94-65462742-volunteers#/

Two hours may not sound like much. But multiplied across a community, those hours can help transform the way an entire event handles its waste. NOTE: This shift doesn't come with free admission to the fall fair.

Small choices. Big impact. Let’s show what a greener Fall Fair can look like