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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Down To Earth

Summer greenwashing….er festival season in full swing

We post this image not to boast or stir up jealous emotions (especially those unfortunate folks who have never seen this sight), so we apologize if that's the outcome.  But can you feel it ladies and gentlemen?!  The summer musical festival season is upon us!  Dust off your car-camping gear, find your hipster shades and neon-colored garments, and get ready to drain your bank account. 


For us here in the Northwest, it starts out with a bang this weekend at the Gorge in George with the 9th annual Sasquatch! Music Festival.  Like each of the past eight years, at least one member of DTE will be there amongst the masses.

But we're hardly the token "greenies" making the journey from Spokane this year.  That title belongs to TE Livingston. Livingston, a Spokanite and fellow cyclist is making the 160-mile trek to Heaven's Amphitheater on his bicycle.  But that's not all.  By the time he peddles in on Monday, he'll have already been on his bike for nearly two weeks as part of an Idaho Panhandle tour he's on with his brother.  Check out his progress on his blog. 

As for the greening of the festival itself, well, you can't say they're not trying.  They've got it certified carbon neutral (money CAN buy you green baby) and they've partnered with corporate sponsors to encourage carpooling, recycling, etc. A greenwash win-win for sure.  Are we pessimistic about these actions, of course.  Spend two hours actually comprehending what's going on at a music festival and you would be too.  The tens of thousands of Gorge goers account for about as much waste and resource usage in one weekend as most small countries.  Fun comes at a cost.  All we can do is encourage all of you that are going to Sasquatch! or other upcoming local events (Bumbershoot, ElkFest, DaveFest)  to adopt communal practices, and consider riding your bike like TE Livingston.  Rock on!



Down To Earth

The DTE blog is committed to reporting and sharing environmental news and sustainability information from across the Inland Northwest.