Zaiafet pe Luna - Zero Waste Festival

Basic information

Project Title

Project Description

Zaiafet pe Luna is a unique opportunity to bring together the community, ethical businesses and sustainability. The underlying zero waste approach enables the participants to engage in alternative learning experiences, patrimony reintegration and co-creation of spaces for non-harmful fun. With a focus on innovation and collaboration, this event is a catalyst for behavioral change and an active contributor in building an eco-conscious present and future.

Geographical Scope

National

Project Region

Romania

Urban or rural issues

It addresses urban-rural linkages

Physical or other transformations

It refers to other types of transformations (soft investment)

EU Programme or fund

Description of the project

Summary

Zaiafet pe Luna, an annual festival situated in the historic Teleki park, 30 km from Cluj-Napoca, is a well-established sustainable event organized with zero waste principles in mind. Tailored for young adults and families, the festival strategically connects diverse activities, including open-air concerts, creative workshops, educational sessions, keynote debates, and a marketplace for local creators, all set in the heart of a secular forest. The overarching aim of Zaiafet pe Luna is to demonstrate the feasibility of hosting an event with minimal waste, creating an environment where participants have an enjoyable time, simultaneously cultivating a collective sense of environmental stewardship and community involvement. One main objective is the responsible organization of the festival to achieve zero waste. This involves meticulous waste management strategies, encompassing the reduction, reuse, and proper disposal of materials. The festival encourages participants to bring reusable items, such as cutlery, cups, and bottles, thereby fostering a culture of waste reduction from the source. Objective two focuses on the promotion of local creators and farmers, contributing not only to the regional economy but also reducing the ecological footprint associated with long-distance transportation. The festival serves as a platform for local artisans, producers, and farmers, fostering a sense of community and encouraging local sustainable consumption patterns. Next in line, the festival transforms itself into a transdisciplinary space for active learning. Curated workshops, debates, and interactive sessions stimulate critical thinking and awareness among participants. These educational endeavors catalyze positive behavioral changes, supporting attendees to embrace a more sustainable lifestyle. Lastly, the festival aims to preserve and celebrate the historical value and cultural heritage of the Teleki park, ensuring that the festival contributes positively to its conservation.

Key objectives for sustainability

Zaiafet pe Luna Festival stands as an imperative of sustainability, with key objectives meticulously designed to redefine event organization within the framework of responsible and ethical practices. At its core, the festival is dedicated to the pursuit of a zero-waste approach, exemplifying a commitment to environmental preservation. This involves a comprehensive waste management strategy, focusing on reducing, reusing, composting, and a conscientious selection of materials to minimize the overall environmental impact. The festival prioritizes partnerships with sponsors who share a common vision and ethical principles. Collaborating with environmentally conscious sponsors not only ensures financial support but also creates a collective commitment to sustainability contributing to a broader network of organizations dedicated to responsible practices. As such, a fundamental aspect of the festival's sustainability objectives revolves around the promotion of local creators and farmers. This comprehensive approach not only reinforces the regional economy but also diminishes the environmental footprint associated with transporting goods over long distances. By providing a platform for local artisans, producers, and farmers, the festival fosters a sense of community and encourages local sustainable consumption patterns. The festival goes beyond mere entertainment by transforming into a transdisciplinary space for active learning. Through curated workshops, debates, and interactive sessions, Zaiafet pe Luna creates an immersive environment that stimulates critical thinking and awareness. Participants engage in meaningful discussions about responsible consumption, environmental stewardship, and ethical practices. This educational component serves as a catalyst for positive behavioral changes, influencing attendees to adopt a more sustainable lifestyle.

Key objectives for aesthetics and quality

Our project's core objectives are centered on curating a distinctive and enjoyable experience, emphasizing a non intrusive aesthetic, cultural richness, and a deep connection to our heritage. In terms of minimal intervention, we prioritize a low-key approach with the use of only natural materials such as wood and straw. This design philosophy allows individuals to engage with the artistic and cultural offerings of the natural environment in a sophisticated manner. All in all, nature is an exquisite designer. Cultural richness takes center stage in our endeavor to bring diverse cultural expressions to a natural space. Live music, covering classical and jazz genres, is thoughtfully curated with a reduced volume to preserve the calmness of the natural environment and minimize disruption to local fauna. This intentional approach fosters an immersive atmosphere where participants can appreciate the cultural variety without compromising the balance of the natural surroundings. The importance of the heritage present as part of the historical park Teleki is a fundamental pillar of our project, acknowledged through the summer school dedicated to archaeology and arboriculture which took place during the festival. This educational component extends beyond the typical festival experience, deepening the importance of trees and the natural landscape surrounding the location. The landscape itself became an integral part of the festival's visual identity, establishing a meaningful connection between the cultural event and its natural scenery.

Key objectives for inclusion

Our project nurtures a commitment to inclusivity, with key objectives that cover accessibility, affordability, and the promotion of new societal models. Rooted in Environmental Social Governance (ESG) values, our approach embodies a holistic understanding of inclusion. From the social point of view, our collaborations with NGOs are focal, collaborating on supporting the local initiatives. The festival offers free participation opportunities for disadvantaged children. We believe in making the festival a platform for everyone, ensuring that economic barriers do not limit access to cultural experiences. This initiative fosters a sense of community and bridges societal gaps by welcoming individuals from diverse backgrounds. To enhance accessibility, our infrastructure is thoughtfully designed to accommodate people with disabilities. Specially designed facilities and trained personnel ensure that everyone can fully enjoy the festival experience. From wheelchair-accessible pathways to sensory-friendly spaces, our commitment to inclusivity is embedded throughout the event. The health and safety of all participants are highly accounted for. We prioritize the existence of non-processed, seasonal, and local vegetarian food that is free from pollutants and harmful compounds. Free water stations further promote affordability, creating an environment where everyone can enjoy the festival without compromising their health. Moreover, special pricing structures, including discounts for students, community tickets, and partner location promotions, make the festival financially accessible to a broad audience. By diversifying ticket options, we ensure that economic considerations do not hinder anyone from being part of the cultural celebration.

Results in relation to category

Our project has taken significant steps in shaping a circular ecosystem and supporting life-cycle thinking, resulting in positive outcomes. The responsible design of the festival towards no waste resulted in the generation of 10 kg of waste over three days, with nearly 2000 participants. Notably, all waste produced was fully recycled, showcasing the project's commitment to responsible waste disposal and contributing to a circular industrial ecosystem. In terms of promoting local creators and farmers, we engaged 10 local vendors, which used our platform for showcasing their products and expanding their target market. This not only boosted local economies but also nurtured a sense of community and sustainability. The festival hosted 30 workshops, 9 debates, and a dedicated play area for children, creating a transdisciplinary space for active learning. Attendees gained insights into responsible consumption, environmental stewardship, and cultural diversity, fostering a culture of continuous learning. Furthermore, the project successfully maintained a non-intrusive atmosphere, allowing participants to engage with the natural surroundings. Featuring 12 concerts, the festival provided a platform for valuable cultural expressions. Local and diverse musical performances celebrated the arts, contributing to the cultural richness of the event and promoting a sense of inclusivity. The addition of a summer school about archaeology and arboriculture demonstrated a commitment to heritage preservation while the participants delved into local heritage, integrating it as a tangible part of the festival's identity.

How Citizens benefit

Citizens and civil society are part of our project's success, actively contributing and benefiting at various degrees. Local vendors and farmers benefit from our platform where they have the opportunity to present and sell their products, extending their customer reach beyond the local market. Facilitators play a crucial role in engaging with participants, contributing to the dynamic and interactive nature of the festival as well. Local artists contribute by discovering the unique location and understanding its essence, adding authenticity to the cultural experience. Engaging locals through seasonal and full-time employment opportunities contributes to the economic vitality of the community. The project acts as a catalyst for rural tourism, drawing visitors to experience the local culture and surroundings. Enthusiastic volunteers add joy to the project, forming a community and significantly contributing to its expansion. Their involvement creates a symbiotic relationship, enriching the project with authenticity, economic opportunities, and a sense of community. The impact is profound, turning the festival into a vibrant, inclusive space that benefits and involves citizens at multiple levels.

Physical or other transformations

It refers to other types of transformations (soft investment)

Innovative character

The events and HoReCa (Hotel/Restaurant/Café) industry have reached a critical point, where consumerism has taken control of the entire market. Festivals are loud, activities are often too commercial, the crowds are indescribable, the bar and food products are mass-produced, harmful to health and packaged in disposable containers. The list can continue to include alcohol consumption and other harmful substances. Average festivals serve as a promoting platform for vendors and sponsors, giving them the opportunity to implement commercial campaigns and activities such as greenwashing, which became a serious problem in terms of mass manipulation. Merchandise is lacking utility, which becomes waste shortly.
We are pioneers for this type of event planning and respond to the increasingly growing demand from the public for ethical services. We offer them the opportunity to participate in events and activities that are environmentally friendly, responsible, safe to our health and have a positive impact, all while enjoying diverse cultural expressions.

Disciplines/knowledge reflected

The design and implementation of our project seamlessly integrated diverse disciplines and knowledge fields, fostering a collaborative synergy that enriched the overall festival experience. Financial and legal experts played a pivotal role in ensuring financial viability and legal compliance, providing a solid framework for budgeting and contractual agreements. Artistic direction, as the creative visionary force, infused creativity into every festival aspect, from visual elements to performances, contributing to an immersive and engaging experience. Marketing and communication team crafted a cohesive and resonant message across all project aspects, enhancing visibility and attracting diverse audiences. The continuous dialogue between Artistic Direction and Marketing ensured that the creative vision aligned with effective promotional strategies. Food and Bar curated the culinary experience, collaborating with Artistic Direction and Marketing to align offerings with the festival's theme, enhancing the overall atmosphere. Volunteer Coordination, the backbone of the festival, interacted with various disciplines around the clock to ensure a smooth execution, from attendee assistance to supporting other teams needs. Activities and Marketplace Coordination contributed to the dynamic festival atmosphere, collaborating with Artistic Direction, Volunteer Management, and Marketing to ensure it complemented the overall theme and engaged the audience effectively. Transportation and Construction, essential for the festival's physical realization, interacted efficiently with Financial and Legal experts, Volunteer Coordination, and Marketing to build and integrate logistical elements into the project plan.
This interdisciplinary collaboration, facilitated by efficient project management, added significant value. Each field complemented and enhanced the others, creating a cohesive and well-rounded festival experience that contributed to the project's success

Methodology used

Our project embraced methodology centred around sustainability and the 5 Rs rule, creating a framework that prioritizes environmental responsibility and resource efficiency.
Refuse - we began by consciously refusing what we do not need, minimizing unnecessary materials and components in our project. This proactive approach aimed to reduce the overall environmental footprint from the very first step.
Reduce - a key focus was placed on decluttering and reducing possessions—ensuring that we only incorporated essential elements. By minimizing excess and unused items, we aimed to streamline and simplify our project, promoting a more minimalist approach.
Reuse - the reuse principle involves utilizing existing items and materials whenever possible. By incorporating what we already owned or repurposing items from previous use, we aimed to extend the lifecycle of materials and reduce the demand for new resources.
Repurpose - we explored creative ways to repurpose objects, assigning new functions to items initially designed for different purposes. This innovative approach not only reduced waste but also added unique and eclectic elements to our project.
Recycle - recycling is a last resort for us, reserved for items that could not be refused, reused, or repurposed. This approach prioritizes the circular economy by diverting materials from landfills and promoting responsible waste management.
Compost - for organic scraps and biodegradable materials, we adopted composting as the healthiest and most beneficial disposal method. This closed the loop on organic waste, transforming it into nutrient-rich compost for sustainable future use.

How stakeholders are engaged

Engaging stakeholders at the various levels has been fundamental to the design and implementation of our project, ensuring diverse perspectives and expertise contribute to its success. The sponsors and partners provide financial support and products, and help with creating promotional campaigns. This collaboration adds significant value by not only sustaining the project financially but also enhancing the trust towards the efforts invested. Additionally, start-up incubation programme FIX Cluj offered us mentors, experts, and trainers who contributed with constructive feedback, consultancy, and comprehensive support. The guidance provided by their experienced professionals, elevated the project with business-oriented input and established a higher level of trust and credibility. Luna Estate as an investor in the project, actively participating in both design and implementation phases. Their involvement brings financial investment and the strategic location, contributing to the overall success of the project. The active participation of these stakeholders not only amplifies the project's visibility but also cultivates a sense of shared success and accomplishment, raising a community around.

Global challenges

The project serves as a local solution but tackles several global challenges outlined in the SDGs. In addressing Responsible Consumption and Production, our project adopts zero waste principles and spreads awareness about toxic consuming patterns and their impact. Not only do we raise awareness, but we showcase a real model of how one can minimize its footprint. To combat Zero Hunger, the project chooses local, seasonal, and vegetarian food options. By supporting local farmers and promoting no waste kitchens, it aligns with the goal of eradicating hunger. The commitment to providing free water and non-processed, seasonal, and local vegetarian food enhances Good Health and Well-being. The project's focus on healthy and sustainable food options contributes to the overall well-being of attendees. Through the inclusion of educational components like workshops and debates, the project contributes to the Quality of Education. It fosters a learning environment, raising awareness about responsible consumption and environmental stewardship. Engaging local vendors, artists, and farmers, the project stimulates Decent Work and Economic Growth. By providing employment opportunities and supporting local businesses, it contributes to the goal of promoting decent work and economic growth. The project's design and implementation reflect a commitment to Sustainable Cities and Communities. From waste reduction to eco-friendly infrastructure, it serves as a model for creating sustainable and resilient cities and communities. The project actively contributes to Climate Action through its zero-waste principles, reduced carbon footprint, and emphasis on sustainable practices. It demonstrates that cultural events can align with climate goals, inspiring action and awareness. In its commitment to responsible consumption and zero-waste practices, the project contributes to preserving biodiversity and ecosystems on land, aligning with the goal of sustaining Life on Land.

Learning transferred to other parties

The design of our project, rooted in zero waste principles, serves as a replicable and scalable model that can be transferred to other events, benefiting various groups and contexts. We are actively refining the methodology to ensure it can be easily replicated by various actors, extending its application to sectors such as HoReCa and corporate environmental initiatives. The scalability of our event is a key feature, providing the potential for continued growth and adaptation. This ensures that the project can be implemented in various locations and contexts, accommodating different groups of beneficiaries, not limited to specific spaces. By fine-tuning our methodology, we aim to empower others to adopt and adapt our zero-waste approach, fostering sustainability in a broader spectrum of environments and industries.