#5 Festival Impact And Circular Economy

“The circular economy is a system where waste never becomes wastes and
nature is regenerated”.
– Gaëlle Kikteff

The urgency to address ecological issues is stressed, as crossing the 9 boundaries could trigger irreversible environmental changes. The cultural sector’s role in promoting a circular economy is crucial for conserving resources and reducing waste. In France, there are initiatives that demonstrate how organizations can embrace sustainability and circularity, contributing to a more sustainable future.
Other sectors should follow suit to address environmental challenges and ensure a better future for all.

Credits
Session leader: Héloïse Lesimple, The Shift Project
Speakers: Gaëlle Kikteff, project manager, consultant and trainer

Article written by Angela Mognol

Slides Support

What are the impacts of cultural festivals? Which festival is going green?
French public cultural authorities: what are their decarbonisation roadmaps?

Presentation by Gaëlle Kikteff, project manager, consultant and trainer.

Today’s presentation delves into the intersection of festivals and the circular economy. It highlights key concepts and strategies, emphasizing the need to address environmental challenges and the impact of festivals on the planet. The central themes discussed include the 9 boundaries regulating Earth’s stability, the shortcomings of linear systems, the principles of circular economy, the 4R strategy (Reduce, Reuse, Re-purpose, Recycle), and pillars for the cultural sector.

The urgency to address ecological issues is paramount.
Crossing the 9 boundaries, such as climate change and biodiversity loss, poses risks of triggering irreversible environmental changes that can jeopardize human existence. The linear system of extraction, production, and disposal results in resource exploitation and waste generation. To mitigate these issues, circular economy practices are essential as they aim to preserve natural resources, reduce waste, and minimize negative environmental impacts.

The discussion extends to France, offering inspirational examples of cultural organizations and initiatives that have adopted circular economy principles. These include Malakoff Centre d’Art Contemporain, Opera National de Bordeaux, Arviva, Théâtre de l’Odéon, Collectiv 17h25, Plinth, La Ressourcerie du Cinema, RESSAC, L’Augures Lab Scénographie, Opera National de Montpellier, and Théâtre de l’Aquarium.
These organizations have implemented waste management, eco-design, second-life materials, and awareness-raising initiatives.

Circular economy strategies in the cultural sector involve several key practices. 
These include

  • Collaborative economy: promoting the sharing and pooling of resources and services.

  • Prolonging product life: encouraging repair, maintenance, reuse, sale, donations, remanufacturing, refurbishing, and upcycling.

  • Recycling: Ensuring materials are recycled whenever possible.

  • The 4R Strategy: Reduce, Reuse, Re-purpose, and Recycle.

  • Eight pillars for the cultural sector: focusing on eco-design, regional and industrial ecology, and the economy of functionality and performance models.

  • Audience engagement: raising awareness and promoting eco-friendly behaviors.

  • Waste management: implementing effective end-of-life solutions.

What is our takeaway?

“We can find solutions with creativity and collective intelligence”
–Gaëlle Kikteff

In conclusion, the cultural sector plays a crucial role in promoting a circular economy, which helps conserve natural resources, reduce waste, and minimize environmental impact. The initiatives presented serve as inspiring examples of how organizations can embrace sustainability and circularity, contributing to a more sustainable future for our planet. It is imperative that other sectors follow suit to mitigate the environmental challenges we face and secure a better future for all.