The Botanical Bazaar Gardening and Sustainable Living Festival, hosted by the Rotary Club of Gold Coast, held at Nerang Country Paradise Parklands on August 5-6 2023, achieved remarkable waste management success.

Article by PP David Baguley

With over 100 exhibitors, 14 food vendors, and 3,800 attendees, a mere 7% of waste ended up in landfills, setting a new sustainability benchmark for events.

This accomplishment was attributed to rigorous guidelines imposed by the Rotary Club, which included banning single-use plastics, enforcing 100% compostable packaging and utensils, and prohibiting the sale of single-use bottled water and plastic straws. Balloons were also banned, and exhibitors had to ensure waste-free sites upon departure.

To facilitate effective waste management, the services of Climate Wave Enterprises was enlisted. Key strategies included:

• Vendor Compliance: Climate Wave communicated with food vendors to ensure compliance with compostable packaging and responsible waste management, fostering a unified sustainability effort.
• Strategic Waste Stations: Five waste stations were strategically positioned in high-traffic areas, encouraging responsible disposal and optimizing collection routes.
• Informative Signage: Each waste station featured clear signage, guiding attendees in proper waste segregation, including recycling, composting, and landfill.
• Regular Maintenance: A dedicated team ensured regular waste station maintenance to prevent overflow, enhancing the festival experience.
• Waste Education: Attendees were educated on waste segregation and station usage, promoting environmental responsibility.
• Data Collection: Waste data showed 44% compostable food packaging, 33% organic food waste, 16% recycling, and only 7% general waste.

Compostable waste was processed at Nerang and Southern Beaches Community Gardens. Event Co-Organiser David Baguley said this comprehensive waste management approach led to a remarkably low landfill rate, demonstrating the event's commitment to sustainability.

Check the website: www.botanicalbazaargc.com.au