World Environment Day: The Role of Not For Profits In Creating Awareness

Mon, Jun 5 2023
Adelaide Fringe values World Environment Day, recognizing our duty to protect the planet. We have actively reduced our ecological footprint and strive to inspire others in promoting environmental sustainability. Discover how we contribute to a sustainable future.
A lady stands in a bin holding a plastic bag and pulling a funny face.
YUCK Circus: DEADSET. Photo Missy Husband 2023
World Environment Day is a powerful reminder of our responsibility to take action and do our part for the planet. As an organisation, Adelaide Fringe takes this responsibility seriously and we understand the impact our operations can have on the environment, which is why we have made a concerted effort in recent years to reduce the ecological footprint of our operations and our festival.

But our commitment is not limited to just our own actions. We believe that as an organisation with a platform, we have a responsibility to lead by example and encourage other businesses, organisations and individuals to do the same. 

Leading by example can’t just stop at setting the example, but needs to also set the expectation. At Adelaide Fringe we aim to cultivate a community that will hold organisations accountable for substandard practices. 

Change can start small. It can be something as simple as introducing recycled paper into office printers or swapping to LED lightbulbs. And while every action counts, and the collective efforts can make a huge difference, that effort needs to be in proportion to an entity's operation and impact. 

This means that practices around sustainability can no longer be tokenistic, but rather be an active part of an organisation's plans, values and ethos.

At Adelaide Fringe, we set goals and pursue them fiercely, as illustrated in our ability to operate as carbon neutral in recent years. 

We have seen the positive outcomes of our efforts firsthand. Not only have we been able to reduce our environmental impact, but we've also experienced cost savings and an increase in staff engagement through our sustainability initiatives.

As the world becomes more aware of the impact of humans on the environment, there is an increasing call for businesses to take more responsibility in making positive changes. Many businesses have already switched to greener and environmentally friendly practices, and they are reaping the benefits.

You can check out the Adelaide Fringe Sustainability Action Plan here should you like to see a roadmap for how your organisation might be able to improve its environmental impact.