BYO Food Containers Catching On

The Nelson Arts Festival team is asking everyone to ‘Bring Your Own Containers’ to the More FM Carnivale and the Family Finale at Founders Park.
 
Technical Director Antony Hodgson said going Zero Waste is a position the festival has evolved to over the past five years, and he says he’s surprised and heartened with the support from food stallholders.
 
“We can’t do this without them agreeing to using compostable containers or asking for a deposit on glass containers - and they have really embraced ithis,” he said. “We’re asking people to think about what they bring to our events and to take the time to put their food scraps in the compost bins we’ll provide or to use the recycling bins for the few items that will be recycled.”
 
BYOC - Bring Your Own Container - will be even more to the fore at the Family Finale on Labour Day Monday.
 
“We’d really like to see those plates and mugs from home coming along,” Antony said. “We’ll have a sink and bench set up where people can rinse their dishes, and compost bins for things that can break down.”
 
Nelson City Council Sustainability Coordinator Karen Lee says Nelson people are catching on fast to the concept of keeping Nelson clean and friendly by ‘packing in and packing out’.
 
“Nelson people can be proud that they are taking a lead on tackling waste at large public events,” she said.  “It’s just about everyone taking responsibility for their own waste - I look forward to the day when event organisers don’t even have to think about rubbish bins.”
 
The More FM Carnivale follows the Port Nelson Masked Parade on Friday October 16, parade starts at 5.30pm.  The Family Finale is at Founders Park, entry free, Labour Day Monday 1-5pm.
 
The Nelson Arts Festival is now in its fifteenth year and is the only regional festival to be held annually. It is produced by the Nelson City Council as a celebration for locals and an added attraction for visitors.
 
 
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