SUSTAINABILITY
In 2023, Cali Vibes launched a series of sustainability initiatives to account for our emissions, improve waste diversion, and pilot new programs and technologies. Having long cherished our California culture of epic coastlines, blue ocean waters, and green vibes, we stand committed to a future where unsustainable consumption becomes a thing of the past. As we plan for Cali Vibes 2025, we are committed to the initiatives set forth and are always looking to improve and be better to our planet.
With every festival pass, a $5 Sustainability Fee is included to help support these sustainability goals and initiatives. Each contribution is a huge step in growing these ideas and getting these operations and organizations off the ground. We look forward to making positive change, together. Thank you for your support and participation in these efforts!
OUR VIBES
CARBON & ENERGY
We are committed to reducing carbon emissions by decreasing our energy consumption and increasing our use of renewable energy. Highlighted efforts:
- Tracking and measuring event-related carbon emissions when possible
- Using energy efficient technologies like LED lights
- Using solar battery generators and electric utility carts
- Partnering with Go Metro to increase clean transportation accessibility for attendees
- Implementing an anti-idling policy for all production vehicles
- Implementing a Power Down Policy
WASTE & MATERIALS
Our festival implements a comprehensive waste diversion and sustainable materials strategy to divert waste away from the landfill. The strategy includes:
- Creating signage and décor pieces that can be reused at future events
- Sourcing build materials that can be repurposed, reused, or donated after the festival
- Sourcing merchandise from sustainable materials
- Providing cups for cold beverages to be collected, washed, and reused at future events
- Serving food with compostable plates, bowls, and utensils
- Composting all food scraps and compostable serviceware
- Recycling plastics, aluminum, paper, cardboard, glass, and wood
- Donating leftover materials to local nonprofit organizations
- Donating leftover food to community members facing food insecurity
WATER
We are committed to reducing our water consumption and eliminating the use of single-use plastic water bottles. Our approach:
- Providing water refilling stations throughout the festival
- Replacing all single-use plastic water bottles with reusable drinkware or canned water
- Joining the #BYOBottle Campaign and encouraging all staff and attendees to bring their own reusable water bottle
STEWARDSHIP
We are dedicated to supporting local environmental protection, conservation, and reclamation efforts. Our actions:
- Working with vendors committed to sustainability and employing environmental best practices
- Encouraging vendors to source food from local producers, prioritizing ingredients from within a 250-mile radius
- Encouraging vendors to source items manufactured in the USA
- Encouraging vendors to source organic and fair-trade foods
- Encouraging vendors to offer more vegan and vegetarian options
ENGAGEMENT
We are committed to leaving a positive environmental legacy and engaging attendees in our sustainability strategy. Highlighted initiatives:
- Placing Green Team educators throughout the festival to support waste diversion and provide education on composting and recycling practices. For our 2024 program, educators represented various local colleges, including Cal State University – Long Beach, California State University – Northridge, Rio Hondo College, University of California – Los Angeles, and University of Southern California.
- Including sustainability program details our website and in our app
- Including on-site messaging about sustainability efforts
- Encouraging venues to participate in discussion regarding green power sourcing
- Educating and engaging our staff, vendors, and artists on our sustainability initiatives
YOUR VIBES
HOW CAN YOU GET INVOLVED?
We invite YOU to join us in making Cali Vibes more sustainable! You can join us by:
- Returning your cup to designated collection bins located throughout the festival
- Joining the BYOBottle campaign and bringing your own reusable water bottle
- Carpooling, using public transportation, or driving low-emission vehicles
- Turning off lights and appliances when you leave your home or hotel room
- Sharing our sustainability initiatives on social media with the hashtag #CaliVibes2024