Finally a recycling program that works

I have been appalled recently by the amount of waste I see at tradeshows, expos, and conferences. Reading this press release warmed my heart, doubly so because it's coming from the techno community.

Paxahau, producers of Movement 08 – Detroit ’s Electronic Music Festival, announced that attendance of this year’s three-day festival surpassed 80,000, toppling last year’s attendance and exceeding the set goal of 60,000. Attendance numbers were based on implementing the use of turnstiles and tracking festival VIP’s as well. This year marked the first time the festival tracked attendance using turnstiles.

“We anticipated a surge in attendance, as presales were triple what they were last year three weeks before the festival,” stated Jason Huvaere, festival director, Paxahau Promotions Group. “It’s amazing to now have actual attendance numbers that equate to real economic benefits for the City of Detroit, as well as the festival, and exhibits the venue’s true capacity.”

On top of attendance success, the recycling program instituted by Paxahau collected more than 3,000 pounds of recyclables including plastic, fiber, and cans over the three-day event. Paxahau teamed up with Recycle Detroit, a non-profit organization founded by Detroiter Sarah Kubik; Omar S. George of WasteONE in Clinton Township; and Great Lakes Recycling of Roseville to collect recyclable materials.

The festival had approximately 10 recycling tents, staffed with volunteers that collected cans, bottles, and paper. Great Lakes Recycling, offering single stream capabilities, stored and processed all the recyclable materials, and once separated, the recyclables were transferred to a single location for further processing.

Huvaere added, “We experienced a remarkable and memorable event this year. Reaction from everyone involved, including sponsors, artists, media, and fans was incredibly positive. We definitely set a new benchmark for the festival, and I am excited about planning next year’s event.”

Movement interest, on all levels, was a direct result of Paxahau’s dedication and hard work to continually upgrade the festival experience, from the artist line-up to the drastically enhanced sound systems as well as upgraded staging to protect from inclement weather.

Much of the anticipation surrounding Movement 08 was generated by one of the strongest lineups the festival has had in its history. This year’s roster of performers included Moby, Benny Benassi, Carl Craig, Richie Hawtin, Deadmau5, James Zabiela, Dubfire, and critically acclaimed artists such as The Cool Kids, Peanut Butter Wolf and Cobblestone Jazz.

“We’re all about showcasing renowned, established artists while also giving up-and-coming talent an opportunity to reach a broader audience,” said Huvaere. “Most important, however, the festival further expands Detroit ’s reputation for inspiring the electronic music scene – and the foundation for the creative renaissance being led by electronic music artists everywhere who recognize the importance of being a part of this cultural phenomenon.”