DIMAPUR — The zero-waste approach adopted at
this year’s Hornbill Festival had prevented the usage of approximately 1 lakh
single-use plastic (SUP) items on a daily basis at Kisama, according to a Press
Information Bureau (PIB) update on Wednesday.
Over the 10-day stretch, it stated, the total number of SUP
items prevented from being used at the festival amounted to around 1 million,
“thereby significantly reducing plastic pollution in the region.”
“Additionally, by eliminating SUP usage, the festival likely
avoided over 50 metric tonnes of CO₂ emissions, contributing to a decrease in
its carbon footprint. Local sourcing of eco-friendly materials further reduced
transportation-related emissions.
“Furthermore, by preventing plastic waste, the festival
helped mitigate the release of methane and ethylene, potent greenhouse gases,
thus aligning with global climate goals and improving air quality in Nagaland.
The festival also promoted a circular economy by implementing sorting stations
and encouraging recycling, with recyclable materials such as paper, glass, and
metals being sent to authorised centres, ensuring resource conservation and
reduced energy consumption,” it stated.
According to the report, the silver edition of Hornbill
Festival aligned with global sustainability goals and aimed to become a
benchmark for eco-friendly events in India.
It highlighted the “several impactful measures” adopted to
make the festival a zero-waste and SUP-free event. "All single-use
plastics, including straws, disposable plates, cups, and plastic bags, were
banned in an effort to reduce environmental impact. To support this initiative,
vendors were required to use sustainable alternatives such as bamboo straws,
biodegradable cutlery, leaf-based plates, and paper bags, which are both
eco-friendly and compostable.
“These alternatives helped minimise waste and promote a
greener, cleaner environment. To ensure the success of this initiative,
dedicated enforcement teams and volunteers actively monitored the venue for compliance.
They engaged with vendors, providing guidance and conducting regular checks to
ensure that only approved materials were being used. Educational signage and
awareness campaigns were also in place to encourage visitors to make
eco-conscious choices, further reinforcing the commitment to sustainability,”
it reported.
Also, a comprehensive waste management system was
established, starting with waste segregation at source. “Labelled bins for wet,
dry, and recyclable waste were placed throughout the venue, with trained
volunteers assisting visitors to ensure proper disposal and encourage
behavioural change.
“A dedicated dry waste sorting station processes collected
materials into categories such as plastics, paper, glass, and metals, with
recyclables sent to authorised centres. Wet waste was processed on-site using
composting units, producing compost that would benefit local agricultural
fields and community gardens, creating a circular waste management model,” the
report read.
Food stalls used reusable or compostable utensils like
banana leaves and bagasse-based plates, while visitors were encouraged to bring
their own utensils or purchase reusable ones at the venue. Water refilling
stations were installed across the festival site to discourage the use of plastic
bottles, and visitors were incentivised to bring their own reusable bottles,
with refillable options available for purchase.
In addition, 42 toilets were installed at the venue, with 36
located in the morung (food area) and 6 at public locations.
“Informative displays were placed across the venue,
providing visitors with real-time guides and practical tips for adopting
eco-friendly practices. Additionally, volunteers conducted on-the-spot
awareness sessions to ensure attendees understand and comply with the
zero-waste protocols,” it added.
According to the report, the success of Hornbill Festival's
zero-waste initiative in Nagaland can serve as a model for large-scale events
worldwide.
“By adopting similar measures at festivals, concerts, and
public gatherings, we can significantly reduce environmental footprints,
protect ecosystems, and combat climate change. This initiative is not only a
major achievement for Nagaland but also a shining example for the global
community in the fight against climate change and plastic pollution,” it
stated.
