By: Luis Daniel Alba Sosa | Id. 00435712 | Anáhuac University North Campus | Entertainment Business Management | 24-11-2024
The Zero Waste Festival is an electronic music festival held in August on the beach of Tulum, Quintana Roo, a destination known for its great biodiversity and unique landscapes. The event presents itself as one that is committed to sustainability, under the argument of using recyclable aluminum cups, instead of plastic, as its main ecological measure. However, it faces serious contradictions that call into question its true environmental and social commitment, since, despite the importance of protecting this natural environment, the event did not implement an effective recollection and waste management system, leaving waste uncollected at the end. In addition, it should be noted that the decoration did not follow recycling or reuse principles, which increased the amount of waste and evidenced the lack of coherence in its sustainable practices.
The environmental impact was aggravated by the fact that much of the abandoned waste ended up in the ocean, seriously damaging natural habitats and directly affecting marine fauna. This situation contradicts the ideals of environmental protection that the festival aims to promote.
On the other hand, in the social sphere, the deficiencies were equally noticeable. Although attendees paid high prices for the experience, this was not reflected in the well-being of the workers, mainly the temporary workers, who received minimum wages and did not have health insurance, evidencing a lack of responsibility towards those who made the festival possible. These practices could be related to legal loopholes and local labor regulations that allow unfavorable conditions for temporary employees in Quintana Roo, since in the state, many temporary jobs operate under contracting schemes for a specific job or time, which limits the labor rights of workers, such as access to social security or stability. Despite the recent implementation of Labor Courts and Conciliation Centers, the enforcement of regulations remains limited, and labor inspections do not always guarantee that basic rights are met, creating an environment where employers can minimize costs at the expense of the well-being of workers.
As you can see, the Zero Waste Festival illustrates how sustainability and social responsibility cannot be limited to symbolic actions or naming as we know it in the industry. A truly committed event must implement effective environmental practices, protect the natural spaces in which it operates and guarantee decent working conditions for its team. Without these elements, the proclaimed sustainability remains as a simple empty speech, which is why I propose the following program “Towards a truly sustainable event” based on the seven fundamental themes of the ISO 26000 standard.
The Proposal
Firstly, in order to address the lack of solid actions that guarantee actions in favor of sustainable commitments, I propose the creation of a sustainability committee which includes organizers’, environmental experts and workers’ representatives, in charge of supervising the implementation of sustainable practices while measuring their social and environmental impact.
On the other hand, it was found that workers do not receive fair wages, benefits or a safe work environment, which violates their fundamental rights. Therefore, it is necessary to establish a protocol to prevent any case of abuse and guarantee decent working conditions, as well as adequate wages and access to health insurance. Likewise, it will be necessary for all workers in our stakeholder groups to be registered with the REPSE.
Continuing with the labor issue, despite the fact that most of the employees are part of the suppliers who support the festival and who are the same ones who work in precarious situations, in addition to presenting the REPSE, it will be necessary for the suppliers to present the formalization of the relationship through written contracts that detail the rights and obligations and that include the job security they have.
With regard to the environment, inadequate waste management was identified, mainly of aluminum and the use of single-use decorations, such as wood, which were discarded after the event. Therefore, it is necessary to implement well-marked and supervised recycling stations to ensure the correct collection of materials, mainly aluminum. Likewise, it is necessary that the decorations to be used be thought out for the future, considering whether they can be reused or opting for biodegradable materials that reduce the environmental impact.
All efforts being made at the festival will be in vain if there is no support from suppliers and sponsors, as they are a crucial part of the event. Therefore, it will be necessary to collaborate with them to carry out these actions, promoting responsibility with them through the incorporation of sustainability clauses in the contracts signed.
A key element that was identified when the case was analyzed was the lack of clear communication with attendees to encourage them to participate in the festival’s sustainability actions, mainly in the collection of recyclable cups. Therefore, it will be essential that for the next edition, visible information is provided about the festival’s environmental policies and how they can contribute, making them aware of the impact they have on their surroundings and that a small action can mean a lot.
Zero Waste Festival, being an event produced by E-Makers Mx with central offices in Mexico City, all participating suppliers were from the central part of the country, which not only affected the carbon footprint due to transportation costs, but also showed a complete disconnection with the local community and a lack of compensation to Tulum, where the event is held. That is why I consider it important to include members of the community in the organization and operation of the festival, prioritizing local employment by signing contracts with local suppliers, which benefits the area and reduces costs as well as the carbon footprint.
The Values
Now, it is important to mention the values that govern this proposal, based on the principles of ISO 26000.
1. Transparency
This involves providing clear, truthful and complete information about the activities, decisions and impacts of the event through open communication of sustainability and waste management policies, as well as reporting on actions to benefit the area and the community.
2. Respect for Human Rights
Understood as respecting, protecting and promoting the fundamental rights of people, especially workers and the communities involved, which implies having decent working conditions, as well as fair wages and access to social security, eliminating any form of discrimination or exploitation in the workplace.
3. Commitment to the Community and the Environment
This value focuses on sustainable development and generating positive impacts on society and the natural environment, which is achieved by promoting the local economy by hiring suppliers and workers from the region. Likewise, by correctly implementing the waste management plan, which not only reduces the impact on the beach, but also promotes the conservation of natural habitats.
Responsible Consumption
Although the waste management plan by recycling aluminum has a positive impact on the environment, we can attack the problem of waste at its root by promoting responsible consumption through the implementation of a circular economy system, understood as using reusable or biodegradable products instead of single-use materials, such as decorations. It is important that these are designed with a vision for the future. Likewise, to reinforce the use and collection of aluminum cups by attendees, the creation of reward programs for their support in these actions could be considered.
Inclusion
As I mentioned, collaboration can increase the value of the final product of any company, since joint efforts enhance the result to be obtained. That is why I consider it essential that Zero Waste Festival be an inclusive, accessible festival that also represents local communities, allowing both groups to benefit from the event.
Firstly, through the integration of local native communities by promoting sales stands for local entrepreneurs where, as it is a festival, sales prices may be high and the commission’s percentage charged to entrepreneurs would be low, achieving a collaboration that benefits both parties. Likewise, the wealth of design that the native community has could be used to create an exhibition space that promotes respect and visibility of their culture and that is adapted to the requirements of the festival. The aim of these actions is to benefit local native communities economically and culturally, promoting a respectful exchange with festival-goers.
On the other hand, since is a beach where the event takes place, it is important to ensure the complete inclusion of people with disabilities so that they can enjoy the festival fully and equitably, strengthening their social inclusion and visibility. To do this, it is necessary to guarantee the installation of ramps, adapted bathrooms and braille signage for people with visual disabilities, as well as having wave vibration technology for those with hearing disabilities and, of course, Mexican sign language translators.
Sustainable Development Goals
The proposals made for the Zero Waste Festival contribute mainly to Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 12: Responsible Consumption and Production, which seeks to ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns through waste reduction, efficient use of resources and the adoption of responsible practices.
Within this objective, the goals reflected in the proposed actions include:
Goal 12.2: Achieve sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources
Proposals such as the use of recyclable materials (aluminum) and reusable or biodegradable decoration contribute to greater efficiency in the use of resources. By avoiding the use of single-use materials and ensuring that resources are managed sustainably, the overexploitation of natural resources is reduced.
Goal 12.5: Substantially reduce waste generation through prevention, reduction, recycling and reuse
The implementation of recycling stations, the creation of a circular economy system with reusable cups and the separation of recyclable waste at the event are direct actions to reduce waste generation. In addition, raising awareness among attendees about responsible consumption also plays a key role in this goal.
Goal 12.8: Promote information and education on sustainable development
Raising awareness among attendees about sustainable practices through actions and awareness-raising is also aligned with the goal of educating consumers and producers about the importance of making responsible decisions, not only at the event but in their daily lives.
Goal 12.a: Support the adoption of sustainable practices
By working with local suppliers who share sustainability values, the adoption of responsible practices is promoted at a corporate level, positively impacting the festival’s supply chain and motivating others to follow it.
Furthermore, actions aimed at including local and native communities reinforce the event’s commitment to social development as specified in SDG 10: Reduction of Inequalities, generating economic and cultural benefits for these groups, especially through its goal 10.2 which seeks to empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all people, regardless of their age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other condition.
Finally, in terms of sustainable development goals, the festival, when well spent and with decent wages, seeks to support SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth and its goal 8.9, which seeks to promote sustainable tourism that creates jobs and promotes local culture and products.
Action Proposal
As we can see, the proposals made have an approach that benefits both the environment and local communities and of course the attendees, which is why I allow myself to present in a summarized way the action proposal to promote sustainable development at the Zero Waste Festival, the objectives presented seek to be achieved for the next edition of the festival which will be held in August 2025.
Firstly, with the aim of collecting and recycling 70% of the aluminum emitted, it is proposed that a reduction system be established during the event by implementing recycling stations and signage that clearly indicates to the attendees where to place their glass. Likewise, through social networks, an awareness campaign will be carried out about the importance of each person contributing with small actions such as placing the glass in the correct place. As for suppliers and sponsors, a sustainability clause will be added which will make all those involved ensure the reduction of waste. And to compensate for the damage caused by the first event, part of the profits will be used to clean up the ocean.
With regard to the objective of promoting the circular economy and collaboration with local suppliers, it is necessary to work with local suppliers that offer sustainable products and promote responsible practices in their production. In addition, promote the use of recycled or low environmental impact products (such as reusable or biodegradable decoration), which will be reflected in the local economy and the reduction of the carbon footprint associated with transportation.
To achieve full integration of the local community and social inclusion, a space will be set aside within the event for indigenous communities to share their products, knowledge and culture at the event. This not only supports their economy, but also fosters respect for cultural diversity, benefiting these groups economically and socially.
Finally, in order to provide them with quality salaries and legal benefits, it will be mandatory that both the employees of Zero Waste Festival and those of its suppliers are registered with social security and that these elements (decent salary and social security) are verified by means of a contract.
In closing way, I would like to mention that within the panorama of social responsibility and sustainability within the entertainment industry, especially concerts and festivals in Mexico, only a few producers are integrating these actions in order to benefit their environment, however, and unfortunately, it is common to find events that only use the naming of being sustainable to generate more sales and in their operation they are not like that, this events where the ones that served as inspiration for me to develop this case in which we were able to see that being socially responsible and sustainable does not affect our operations and earnings, on the contrary, it strengthens them. The entertainment industry in Mexico in the terms studied has a lot of potential and if we start to look for all the products and services offered by this industry to have this seal, we could be a reference for other countries which are already beginning to adopt measures of social responsibility and sustainability.
References
Elizalde, M. (n.d.). Certifications and Distinctions. Anáhuac Brightspace. https://anahuac.brightspace.com/d2l/le/lessons/1513408/topics/14398558
ISO. (2010). ISO 26000:2010(en) Guidance on social responsibility. ISO Online Browsing Platform. https://www.iso.org/obp/ui#iso:std:iso:26000:ed-1:v1:en
Secretaría del Trabajo y Previsión Social. (2021). Avanza la implementación del Nuevo Modelo Laboral en Quintana Roo. gob.mx. https://www.gob.mx/stps/prensa/avanza-la-implementacion-del-nuevo-modelo-laboral-en-quintana-roo?idiom=es-MX
United Nations. (n.d.). Home. United Nations Sustainable Development. https://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/
