Beyond the Beat: Why Sustainable Festivals Like Living Smart Are the Main Event

The thrill of a sustainable festival is unmatched. The shared experience, the vibrant energy, the collective joy and it’s a celebration of life. But when the music fades and the crowds disperse, what’s left behind? For years, the answer has been a sobering one: mountains of waste, a heavy carbon footprint, and a significant environmental impact.

But a new movement is changing the landscape of events. Sustainable festivals are proving that you can have all the fun without the environmental cost, and they are paving the way for a more conscious and respectful way to celebrate.

The Rise of a New Kind of Festival

A truly sustainable festival goes far beyond placing a few recycling bins. It’s a “holistic approach” that weaves environmental responsibility into every facet of the event. Organizers are not just looking to minimise harm; they are actively working to create a positive impact on the community and the planet.

One of the most powerful examples of this shift is the Living Smart Festival, presented by Lake Macquarie City Council. Now in its 14th year, this event has become one of Australia’s largest community sustainability events. It’s a free, one-day festival that attracts thousands and aims to inspire people to adopt sustainable practices in their daily lives. The festival “champions environmental practices and sustainable living through a vibrant and inclusive program”.

How Living Smart Leads the Way

Living Smart Festival is a perfect case study in how to build an event around a green ethos. It’s not just about one or two initiatives; it’s a comprehensive strategy across multiple “zones” and activities:

• Waste Management and Circularity: The festival is committed to reducing waste, reusing what’s available, and providing recycling services. This is demonstrated through initiatives like “pop-up op shops” that promote preloved items, and hands-on workshops in the “Upcycle Zone” that teach sustainable fashion and creative reuse. The festival’s “Resilience Zone” even features displays of recycling and green waste trucks.
• Renewable Energy: The event is backed by sponsors like the NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, which sponsors an “Energy Zone” with displays of solar panels, batteries, and electric vehicles (EVs). A dedicated panel session at the Main Stage even discusses “household electrification,” showcasing the move away from traditional energy sources.
• Sustainable Travel: Understanding that attendee travel is a major source of emissions, the festival encourages greener transport options. They offer free, accessible shuttle buses from various locations and a bike valet service for those who choose to ride.
• Local and Conscious Consumption: The festival’s commitment to sustainability extends to its vendors and sponsors. Preference is given to stallholders who demonstrate a commitment to sustainability, local community groups, and those with local or Australian-made products. The “Eat Zone” features live demonstrations on food waste solutions and cooking with local, seasonal produce.

The Ripple Effect: Beyond the Festival Grounds

The real magic of events like Living Smart is the way they inspire lasting change. They aren’t just one-day events; they are educational platforms that “inspire and empower” people with the “tools to live more sustainably”. By bringing in big-name speakers like Dr. Karl Kruszelnicki to “debunk climate myths,” the festival makes complex environmental issues accessible and engaging for everyday Australians.

These events act as a vital link between theory and practice, showing people that living sustainably is not only achievable but also enriching. They create a more “respectful, more conscious” atmosphere and build a sense of community around shared values.

Join the Movement

Attending a sustainable festival is a great way to have fun while making a positive impact. By supporting these events, you’re not just enjoying a day out; you’re helping to create a demand for greener practices in the events industry and beyond.

Have you attended a sustainable festival? What was your favourite part of the experience? What do you think is the single most important thing a festival can do to become more sustainable? Share your thoughts and stories in the comments below!