Summerfest furthers greening efforts, encourages fans
MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- Summerfest officials are excited to announce elements of the 2013 greening program. Along with partner MillerCoors, Summerfest has worked to take additional steps to raise awareness and encourage environmental responsibility among patrons over the past few years.
Two major areas of focus have been recycling and reducing waste before and during the festival. Patrons can visit Summerfest.com for more information on sustainability and greening efforts at Summerfest.
Over 325 recycling bin units are located at Henry Maier Festival Park, making it easier and more convenient for patrons to recycle their cups, plastic bottles and aluminum pints no matter where they are on the grounds. Since 2011, the number of recycling bin units has grown substantially resulting in six times the amount of material being recycled and diverted from landfills than in previous years.
For the third year, Summerfest will utilize the most recyclable cup on the market (PET 1 by Solo Cup Company) to serve beer and other beverages in.
Patrons are encouraged to download the Summerfest App presented by Boston Store. By encouraging downloads and printing less, the app is not only environmentally friendly but allows fans to keep their Summerfest schedule handy at all times when they download it for their iPhone or Android. The app allows them to build a “must see” schedule, check out the entire lineup and navigate the festival on the map.
New for 2013, recycle to help keep the Big Gig clean and get a cool t-shirt! Patrons that visit the South Gate Information Booth during Summerfest and pledge to “Go Green at the Big Gig” can pick up a bag to fill with recyclable cups, bottles and aluminum pints. Return the full bag to the same spot and get a cool t-shirt for keeping the festival clean! Visit the South Gate Information Booth or #SFLive Lounge for more details.
Summerfest is committed to partnering with fans and sponsors to create awareness and affect positive change in behaviors. In partnership with MillerCoors, patrons can “Go Green and Go Backstage” when they visit Summerfest.com and pledge to be “green” at Summerfest. Anyone that pledges to be “green” will be automatically entered to win VIP passes to the Miller Lite Oasis Stage Right Deck to see LeAnn Rimes on Wednesday, July 3. The contest runs through June 23, but patrons are encouraged to practice environmental responsibility, pledge to be “green” and recycle throughout the entire festival.
The Johnson Controls World Sound Stage not only has a new name - it is getting an energy efficiency makeover. Johnson Controls is working with Summerfest to make improvements to the stage which will save energy and improve comfort. Music lovers coming to the stage will also be able to see how those improvements are reducing energy consumption through an interactive display.
Milwaukee World Festival, Inc. has also incorporated greening and sustainability efforts into the newly-renovated BMO Harris Pavilion and South End Redevelopment Project. Several recycled materials have been used from the demolition of previous structures on the site, including the steel structure, roof decking, seats, benches, toilet partitions, concrete, asphalt, landscaping pavers and metals. During Summerfest, and all year round, fans are encouraged to work together to save the environment and keep Milwaukee beautiful.
Summerfest 2013 will take place June 26 - 30 and July 2 - 7, from Noon until Midnight and will be closed Monday, July 1.