Organisers ask visitors to this year’s Festival to be responsible – whether this is taking home or recycling their rubbish or just taking care of themselves in the Great British Summertime.

The terms ‘sustainable’ and ‘air festival’ may well be at opposite ends of the spectrum but organisers feel this is no excuse for not improving the environmental quality and waste management facilities of Bournemouth’s largest event.

With the Festival attracting an ever-growing number of visitors, disposing of litter, providing alternative transport and generally promoting a greater green awareness and safety in the sun are areas organisers are working hard to influence and improve.

As part of the local ‘Green Goals’ partnership, Bournemouth Borough Council’s Street Services department will:

  • Provide almost 100 additional, brightly labelled ‘Green Goals’ bins for recycling and general rubbish
  • Subject all general waste to mechanical and biological treatments to extract as much recyclable material as possible
  • Aim for a ‘zero waste to landfill’ event

Carbon emissions are another area organisers would like to improve. It may surprise some to know the emissions from all of the planned air displays in 2010 were no greater than a 747 on an eight hour flight. While aircraft emissions are unavoidable at an Air Festival, reducing emissions from visiting vehicles is achievable. Organisers have provided several Park and Ride sites, found here and are encouraging visitors to take advantage of them.

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