Eco Letter to the Boomers I
The First Part of our 2023 Eco Report
Dear Boomers,
Since 2002, our commitment to the environment has been steadily growing. In this process, we had two significant milestones.
In 2006, we embraced permaculture ethics and integrated them into a large-scale festival, marking a pivotal moment in our journey.
Then, in 2010, we embarked on the remarkable journey into Boomland, where our mission of transforming people and regenerating the Earth took on new dimensions of impact.
Each edition we strive to enhance our environmental initiatives, and 2023 has been no exception.
This year, we proudly unveiled a new educational area known as "Spaceship Earth", conducted meticulous emissions calculations, and embarked on the development of dozens of eco projects.
The highlights below represent just a glimpse of what we've been up to.
This is the first part of our traditional Eco Letter to the Boomers.
WATER
Water plays a prominent role in our context. As of the end of August, an alarming 97% of mainland Portugal was in drought conditions, with 46% experiencing severe or even extreme drought.
Against this backdrop, we have been proactive in water conservation measures. Some key initiatives include:
- A water treatment plant was built in 2010.
- Implementation of dry compost toilets since 2006.
- Construction of a new water treatment station in 2020/21, further enhancing our sustainable water management.
- Utilisation of native plants, trees and shrubs species that require less water.
- Implementation of limits on shower durations to conserve water.
- Awareness campaigns like #SaveTheDrop to inspire people about the importance of water conservation.
Boomland remains committed to responsible water usage, safeguarding this precious resource for generations to come.
ECO SANITATION: COMPOST TOILETS
We had 100% compost toilets. As we reduced the number of tickets available for your comfort, the strategy was not to grow in toilet units but rather to remake old models that were in poor condition.
FOOD: SOME RELEVANT FACTS
- It is estimated that the global food system equates to 30% of greenhouse gas emissions. At Boom we favour plant-based and omnivorous/flexitarian menus. However, human beings are diverse.
- Food vendors with animal products are given a list of local producers supporting local networks.
- We have obtained more than 45 tons of compost from food vendors that will create fertiliser to enrich soils.
- A new tool was applied to calculate the footprint of food menus on both food vendors and staff canteen.
- All cutlery is biodegradable. Nevertheless, we are not satisfied with the situation with the cups. Its composting rate is not the best and we are already studying solutions for 2025.
WASTE MANAGEMENT
Below you can see the quantities of material that were sent to waste management at the Valnor factory.
MOBILITY
We have now analysed the transportation emissions for Boom Festival 2023 across various categories.
Given that our festival welcomes attendees from 169 different nationalities, it's not surprising that a significant portion of these emissions is associated with public travel.
On a positive note, our commitment to supporting local artists has resulted in a smaller environmental impact when it comes to their travel arrangements for the festival's program.
BOOM FESTIVAL BAZAAR
- The Boom Corner offers Boom Festival official creations that are the fruit of the collaboration with small artisans, artists and local brands.
- 62,8% of items produced for Boom 2023 were made in Portugal to support the local economy.
- Get to know more about the Boom official collections by visiting the Boom Festival Bazaar.
Stay tuned for the coming newsletters: the second chapter of the Eco Letter and the brand new letter about the Inclusivity, Social and Awareness Projects to be released in the coming weeks.
Thank you for being a Boomer.