Sustainability

Adelaide Fringe recognises that running a uniquely wide-spread festival has a direct impact on the environment. We are committed to a range of environmentally responsible practices with respect to the delivery of our large-scale free public events, organisational operations, and in our advice and guidance to registered events and venues.

Our Commitment

We continue to grow our festival in a sustainable capacity and work closely with partners, contractors and stakeholders regarding the staging of events and business operations.

Our commitment to sustainability includes minimising the environmental impact of large-scale, promotional collateral, office operation and vehicle usage.

In coordination with our commitment, we aim to encourage all Adelaide Fringe venues, artists and audience attendees to engage with and commit themselves to our environmental sustainability goals.

What We Do

Venues agreement
As an open access festival, Adelaide Fringe does not manage any venues or events. Our Venue Agreement, which all registered Fringe venues sign, states that all venues agree to 'Aim to achieve the highest level of sustainable practices within [their] venue to help reduce the environmental impact of Adelaide Fringe events.' Adelaide City Council funded venues also adhere to the Adelaide City Council sustainability policy.

Recycled/biodegradable materials
Glass and drink containers with a redeemable deposit are collected/sorted separately for recycling following events by the Scouts Association. Additionally, cardboard waste is collected and recycled; and disposable cutlery made from cornstarch and food containers used at Fringe-produced events are biodegradable and compostable. At the Fringe Office and Box Office, we recycle all possible materials, such as paper, cardboard, printer cartridges, plastics, glass, metal etc. We also have regular green waste collection at the Fringe Office.

E-ticketing
Our use of e-ticketing reduces the number of tickets printed during the Fringe season. All tickets purchased via the Adelaide Fringe website are able to be used as e-tickets, allowing patrons to participate in a totally paperless Fringe!
  
Events and venues
We all have a responsibility to reduce our carbon footprint. Here at Adelaide Fringe, we have communicated with every venue and event to ensure they play their part. Some of the guidelines we communicate to the venues are:
  • Promoting local produce
  • Natural regeneration of site and Fringe gardens
  • Responsible use of balloons
  • Recycling all promotional material
  • Turning electronics off when not in use. 
Diversity and Inclusion Training
Adelaide Fringe is proud to be providing all employees with access to the SBS Inclusion Program, Australia’s leading online inclusion training platform. The Inclusion Program is a suite of online training courses, helping organisations embrace diversity and promote a safe, happy and productive workplace.
 
Adelaide Fringe employees are completing all of the diversity courses below:
  • Core Inclusion
  • First Nations
  • LGBTQIA+
  • Gender Equity
  • Disability
  • Cultural Diversity
  • Generational Diversity
  • Appropriate Workplace Behaviour

What You Can Do

Reduce single-use plastic
As an open access festival, Adelaide Fringe does not manage the operation of venues outside of Fringe produced events. While our Venue Agreement outlines that all venues have a responsibility towards sustainable practices, we further urge all Fringe-goers to encourage venues by adopting the following behaviours:
  • Utilise reusable drinking bottles and coffee cups.
  • Say no to the supply of plastic straws.
  • Avoid excessive food packaging.
  • Say no to disposable cutlery.
  • Use tote bags instead of plastic bags.
Ride a bike, walk or take public transport
We all have a responsibility to reduce our carbon footprint and, here at Adelaide Fringe, we are pro-bike. It’s cheaper, healthier and—most of all—environmentally friendly. Don't have a bike? Adelaide CBD is one of the most easily traversable cities in Australia and the world, and venue hopping is a great way to get up those steps.

If you're looking for a faster way to zip between venues, public transport is another great way to cut down on emissions. Adelaide Metro's tram network, buses and trains will get you where you need to go.   

Recycle your Fringe Guide
Once you have finished with your Official Adelaide Fringe Guide (if you don't want to keep it as a souvenir) you can recycle it.

Show us how you contribute to a #sustainablefringe
Show us how you contribute to a sustainable Adelaide Fringe! Use the hashtag #sustainablefringe on social media to nab bragging rights for your sustainable habits like the use of keep cups, tote bags, refillable water bottles, and e-ticketing.

Participate in Diversity and Inclusion Training
We encourage all Arts organisations to join us in completing the courses above. Head to https://inclusion-program.com.au/ for more information.

Learn about the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals
Read how the United Nations are taking action on a more sustainable future here. 
Banner Image: Bins at Gluttony. Photo: Jenny Kwok, Adelaide Fringe 2023