Help NEVF Be Green
VegFest is striving to make the 2024 NEVF as zero waste as possible, and we invite all participants to join us!
The zero waste approach minimizes the amount of waste going into landfills by recycling, reusing, and composting as much waste as possible. Our zero waste actions include:
- Working with a compost company to help attendees properly dispose of compost and recyclables at the event
- Requiring vendors to use third-party certified compostable materials for serving food (see more information for vendors)
- Reducing our own use of materials including signage and festival programs
- Sourcing materials and merchandise that can be reused and/or is made from compostable or recycled content whenever possible
- Offering eco-conscious festival activities
Clothing & Textile Drive
Help the planet and support our non-profit by bringing your old and unwanted clothing and textiles to the NEVF! VegFest has partnered with Helpsy to run a textile collection drive accepting clothing, footwear, accessories, linens, and more. Learn more.
A Sustainable Venue
NEVF is proud to hold our event at Worcester State University (WSU), a venue committed to sustainability and energy efficiency.
Throughout campus, WSU runs a single stream recycling program, offers hydration stations, generates solar energy, and provides electric vehicle charging stations.
In addition, our main festival building, the WSU Wellness Center, has earned a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold certification from the U.S. Green Building Council. Among other features, the building has bikes and ellipticals that send power back to the grid during workouts and solar hot water panels to help with heating.
Zero Waste Suggestions for Attendees
Attendees can be part of our zero waste efforts by correctly disposing of materials in our compost and recycling bins.
In addition, please consider the following eco-conscious actions:
- Carpool to the festival with family or friends (or consider biking if you live nearby).
- Bring a reusable water bottle - the venue offers multiple hydration stations.
- If you plan to order food, bring reusable plates and utensils.
- Bring reusable to-go containers in case you need to take food home.
- Bring along a reusable bag or two to hold all the great products you get at NEVF.