GEAUXING GREEN
Our Sustainability Efforts
French Quarter Festivals, Inc. (FQFI) works year-round to uplift and sustain Louisiana’s cultural resources, but in recent years, we recognized an urgent need to safeguard and nurture our natural resources as well. This understanding means reducing the environmental impact of the cultural celebrations that are such an essential part of life in Louisiana so we can ensure they continue for generations to come. To address this issue, FQFI launched a sustainability initiative for festivals called Geauxing Green in 2021. The program focuses on trash and marine debris prevention, waste diversion, and environmental education.
Since its launch, Geauxing Green has been implemented at seven of our festivals, diverting 212,930 pounds of waste from landfills for an average 36% waste diversion rate. With recycling and composting, we diverted 61.5% of all festival waste at this year’s Satchmo SummerFest and 30% of all French Quarter Festival waste from landfills. The critical ingredient is the tremendous effort of our Green Team, which includes volunteers who have spent a total of 1,780 hours to date on these important environmental efforts.
French Quarter Festivals, Inc. hit major sustainability milestones last year thanks to your incredible support. We need YOU to help us continue to geaux greener!
Our Success
- 7 Festivals Strong: Geauxing Green has been implemented at seven of our festivals since its launch.
- 213K Pounds Diverted: Over 212,930 pounds of waste has been kept out of landfills, with an average waste diversion rate of 36%.
- Record Success at Satchmo SummerFest: 61.5% of all waste was recycled or composted this year.
- French Quarter Festival Impact: 30% of waste was diverted from landfills at this year’s event.
- Green Team Dedication: Our incredible Green Team volunteers have contributed 1,780 hours to these vital environmental efforts.
- Souvenir Cups: Our reusable keepsakes reduce waste, support our programming, and help you cherish the memories.
HOW YOU CAN HELP
Look for these bins around the festival and sort your waste:
GREEN = Compost your food scraps, compostable plates, forks, etc.
BLUE = Recyclables include plastics #1 & #2, aluminum cans, paper, and cardboard.
BLACK = Landfill items are non-compostable and non-recyclable waste.
Pro Tip: Ride your bike, take public transit or carpool. Eco-friendly travel makes a difference!
WHY IT MATTERS
Landfill waste and litter from plastics and waste damages wetlands, bayous, and the Mississippi River impacting wildlife, recreation, and our community’s food sources. Landfills produce methane and pollutants that harm New Orleans’ air and worsen climate change With your help, we can divert waste, reduce pollution, and support sustainable solutions for Louisiana’s environment.
Renewable Energy Initiatives
French Quarter Festival is stepping up its renewable energy game!
- Solar-powered stage: The Omni Royal Orleans stage (500 Royal Street, Sat/Sun).
- Electric golf carts: 6 carts now in use.
- Solar-powered light towers: 4 units introduced.
The Greener Grounds Guide
French Quarter Festivals, Inc. and Keep Louisiana Beautiful (KLB) present the Greener Grounds Guidebook and Workbook, the go-to resource for sustainable event planning in Louisiana. These free guides offer practical tips for reducing waste, increasing recycling, and preventing litter at outdoor events. Looking ahead, applications for this year’s Greener Grounds Grant will open soon. Don’t miss your chance to fund your event’s sustainability efforts!
JOIN THE GREEN TEAM
Are you passionate about sustainability?
Volunteer with the Green Team and make a real impact! Perfect for schools, environmental groups, and individuals who love clean festivals and healthy waterways. Together, we can make this year our greenest festival yet. Let’s geaux green, NOLA!
Thank you to our sponsors and partners
Thank you to our sponsors and partners for helping us achieve these results that will benefit live events for generations to come.
