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The Des Moines Arts Festival adheres to a Green Arts Sustainability plan that actively reduces waste, ensuring the Festival has a minimal negative impact on the environment while delivering a world-class event. The plan both prioritizes sustainability in Festival production and encourages guests to make eco-friendly choices.
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The Green Arts Sustainability Plan was created in 2015 in collaboration with the City of Des Moines, Drake University, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, the Environmental Protection Agency, and Silent Rivers Design+Build. The Festival continually evolves this plan to achieve Zero Waste.​
Green Arts Sustainability Program
Festival Sustainability Efforts Include:
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Custom-designed waste stations are positioned throughout the Festival site accommodate recyclables, compostable and landfill waste.
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Free bike valet service provided by Friends of Central Iowa Trails encourages guests to cycle to the Festival instead of driving.
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All generators used to power the Festival site run on a biodiesel blend.
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Any paper correspondence is printed on recycled paper and post consumer waste materials.
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Food vendors are required to use compostable plates, utensils, napkins, and containers. Compostable waste is collected by Land Matters.
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Artists and volunteers are provided designated water stations to fill reusable bottles, eliminating thousands of disposable plastic bottles.
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Information provided to all participating vendors is delivered electronically and posted on the Festival's web site in order to eliminate paper and other non-recyclable products.
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Other merchandise options are non-woven bags that can be reused by guests as tote bags, and reusable water bottles.
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Beverages will be sold in recyclable plastic bottles and aluminum or served in compostable cups.
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The application process for the juried art fair is completely paperless, using an online registration, application, jury and communications system called ZAPPlication.
Fun Fact! The Festival's fence around the Silent Rivers VIP Club is made of Ash trees the City of Des Moines had cut down due to the Emerald Ash Borer. ​​
Volunteer:
The Sustainability Team is led by volunteers and with leadership from Urban Ambassadors, a local non-profit organization focused on sustainability. If you're interested in becoming more engaged with the Festival's sustainability efforts, consider volunteering as part of our Green Team during the Festival! Sign up today!
To learn more, contact:
Daphne Dickens, CFEE
Director of Guest Engagement
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