Greening

From an environmental perspective, Wanderlust aims to lead the way among music festivals. With a focus on local sourcing, organics, reusability, carbon offsets, and sustainability, Wanderlust aims to be a “zero impact” event. Some additional information on our environmental initiatives is set forth below.

WASTE REDUCTION

Wanderlust has set up a streamlined program to process landfill trash, recycling, and biodegradable (compostable) materials, such as food, paper products, and bio-plastics, at our festival. This system typically reduces trash to the landfill by 80% to 90%. Wanderlust will provide waste stations for festivalgoers and supply staff to be present at the waste stations to explain their proper usage and function.  Wanderlust will also arrange for separate dumpsters and hauling for recycling, compost and trash.

SUSTAINABLE FOOD & BEVERAGE PRODUCTS

Wanderlust has committed to an unparalleled sustainable food and beverage program.  On the food side, we are sourcing food from local vendors wherever possible.  New in 2010, we will have a farmer’s market on-site featuring locally-grown and prepared foods.  Where local food is not available, we’re purchasing only organic, sustainably farmed foods.  

Equally important, the products (primarily utensils, cups, plates and other food-service ware) that Wanderlust uses are all sustainable.   Products made of Styrofoam and non-recyclable plastics (such as white picnic cutlery) have been banned at the event to avoid contamination and reach our 90% zero-waste goal.  We are providing water filling stations throughout the festival, and where we sell bottled water, the bottles will be made from compostable organic corn-based plastic and the water therein will be sourced in California. Our commitment is shared not just by producers and organizers, but also by our vendors, who will also participate in our environmental program.

BIODIESEL SOURCING & DISTRIBUTION

Wanderlust’s site, Squaw Valley USA, is extremely progressive from an environmental perspective.  Squaw’s chairlifts are electric, eliminating diesel emissions, and its High Camp facility uses recycled waste heat from the air conditioning system to heat the swimming pool. To generate electricity to power the Pulse main stage, we will utilize B20 biodiesel sourced in the Lake Tahoe area.  If requested by our artists, we will offer B20 biodiesel refueling on-site for tour buses as well.

CARBON OFFSETS

Wanderlust will partner with a nationally-recognized company to offset all emissions generated at the event.  In addition, we are offering ticketholders the option of contributing up to $6 to offset their transportation-related carbon emissions while traveling to and from the festival.  100% of this revenue will be paid to our carbon offset partner, Green Mountain Energy.

MESSAGING

Wanderlust will train at least fifty volunteers to be part of an on-site “Green Team.”  The Green Team will be stationed at waste reclamation stations to explain the proper separation and disposal of compostable materials, recyclables, and waste.  We also will operate an information booth detailing the festival’s environmental commitments.