A large amount of greenhouse gases are emitted from a festival such as Rainbow Serpent. We take this contribution to climate change, small though it may be, seriously and are committed to reducing it where possible. The festival in 2008 will become carbon neutral for the first time. This is achieved through energy reduction and effeciency measures, and offsetting all remaining carbon emissions associated with the event. This includes the power consumed and waste generated from the festival’s organization and operation, as well the fuel used in all artist, crew and infrastructure transport to and from the event.
In order to obtain a true picture of the carbon emissions related to such activities we have enlisted the help of Eco Productions to undertake an independent environmental audit of the festival, including a comprehensive carbon footprint. Through Greentix, we will be purchasing carbon credits generated from Greening Australia’s tree-planting projects and a variety of programs undertaken by Origin Energy we will be effectively making Rainbow Serpent carbon neutral, offsetting the event’s climate warming impact.
Optional Green Fee
A large part of the festival’s carbon emissions come from patron travel to and from the event. We’re giving everyone the opportunity to offset their own travel emissions by taking up an Optional Green Fee, an additional $2.00 at the time of ticket purchase (only available with online purchases via Greentix). The Optional Green Fee is the basic peace of mind that you’ve more than covered your own carbon footprint (for those traveling further or from overseas multiple units can be purchased).
However we encourage patrons to go beyond this and really think about their transport choices. The most effective way of reducing your carbon emissions contribution is to ensure the vehicle you are traveling in is full, or even better, make use of one of the many public transport or car pooling options <check RSF transport page> and meet some new friends along the way!
Tree-per-ticket
In addition to tree planting undertaken for carbon emission offsetting, Rainbow Serpent will be implementing a tree-per-ticket policy. For every ticket sold (online via Greentix) a tree will be planted by Greening Australia.