“Ezo Festival” started the 2024 season with new, green initiatives. The aim of the festival is to become a pioneer in sustainable activities by eliminating plastic bottles and straws from use and sorting glass for reuse.
With the support of CENN, UNDP, and Norway, the festival has organized 40 corners for sorting glass bottles around the area, where guests will find special bins for collecting glass.
“Ezo Festival is on a mission to become Georgia’s first sustainable festival, prioritizing environmental stewardship. Our initiatives begin with the reduction of plastic waste and careful sorting of glass bottles, which will be repurposed for various sustainable uses. Throughout its journey, Ezo has fostered a community united by strong social values. We are confident that our guests will enthusiastically contribute to achieving our environmental objectives. At the upcoming festival, plastic bottles will no longer be served. Instead, only glass bottles will be available, which will then be sorted for recycling. Proper waste sorting by attendees, particularly ensuring glass bottles are disposed of in designated containers, will be essential for the project’s success,” stated Vakhuna Kavtaradze, co-founder of the festival.
“The battle against plastic pollution demands a comprehensive and inclusive strategy. Engaging both society at large and individual members is crucial in this effort. It’s encouraging to see environmental protection and sustainable economy gaining prominence in Georgia. We are delighted to endorse the green initiative of the Ezo Festival and anticipate that this vibrant and engaging event will serve as a prime example of heightened environmental consciousness,” remarked Lela Akiashvili, UNDP project manager
“In recent decades, sustainable festivals have emerged as a movement dedicated to promoting environmental awareness and fostering eco-friendly behaviours alongside entertainment. These festivals share a commitment to reducing their ecological footprint through innovative waste management strategies, advocating responsible consumption, and promoting a circular economy. One of the most impactful approaches is the elimination of single-use plastics. Event organizers are substituting disposable items with reusable or compostable alternatives and actively involving attendees in this initiative. We are pleased to see this precedent set in Georgia and anticipate that the Ezo Festival will be an example for other organisers.” stated Nana Takvarelia, CENN Project Manager.
Recycling corners are funded by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Norway as part of the “Leadership, Equality, Advocacy and Democracy” (LEAD) project’s initiative, “End Plastic Pollution in Georgia,” implemented by CENN.
