June 14, 2007

By By Ray Waddell, Nashville

Long before Live Earth, festivals were at the forefront of the eco-conscious live movement, with European events like Glastonbury and Roskilde pioneering many of the initiatives now taken for granted.

Nowadays, Bonnaroo in Manchester, Tenn., is a true green leader, taking a three-pronged approach incorporating its own green efforts, interfacing with artists and educating fans.

Bonnaroo burns about 40,000 gallons in biodiesel each year, according to Rich Goodstone, partner in festival co-producer Superfly Productions.

"All of our nonstage generators are run on biodiesel," Goodstone says. "For all of our food vendors, we provide all the plates and cutlery, and all of it is compostable and biodegradable. Cups for beer, all the different Bud bottles, Coke bottles-all recyclable."

The results are impressive.

Click here to read the full article which includes an inside look at environmental efforts behind Bonnaroo, Roskilde Festival, Glastonbury Festival and more.

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