SUSTAINABILITY

Cruel World will feature a series of sustainability initiatives to account for our emissions, improve waste diversion, and pilot new programs and technologies. With every festival pass, a $1 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!

Cruel World’s sustainability program is supported by AEG Sustainability, our long-standing sustainability department, and its vision to inspire the world’s many voices to protect our planet.

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
Using energy efficient technologies like LED lights
Sourcing renewable diesel for our generators

WASTE & MATERIALS

Our team 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
In partnership with r.Cup, providing cups for cold beverages to be collected, washed, and reused at future events
Composting all food scraps and compostable serviceware
Recycling plastics, aluminum, paper, cardboard, and glass
Donating leftover materials to local nonprofit organizations

WATER

We are committed to reducing our water consumption and reducing the use of single-use plastic water bottles. Our approach:

Providing water refilling stations throughout the festival
Replacing a portion of single-use plastic water bottles with reusable cups or canned water

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
Sourcing food from local producers, prioritizing ingredients from within a 250-mile radius
Sourcing organic and fair-trade foods

ENGAGEMENT

We are committed to leaving a positive environmental legacy and engaging attendees in our sustainability strategy. Highlighted initiatives:

Placing sustainability staff throughout the festival to support waste diversion and provide education on composting and recycling practices
Including sustainability program details on our website
Educating and engaging our staff, vendors, and artists on our sustainability initiatives

HOW CAN YOU GET INVOLVED?

We invite YOU to join us in making Cruel World more sustainable! You can join us by:

Joining the BYOBottle team 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 #AEGSustainability

Our sustainability initiatives are aligned with AEG Sustainability’s overall strategy and organized by strategic impact areas. Each impact area is mapped to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The inclusion of corresponding SDGs demonstrates the importance of each initiative in addressing global challenging and building a more sustainable future for all.