Ultra Music Festival is pledging to uphold its sustainability commitments following positive feedback from local environmental groups regarding the success of its 2019 sustainability initiatives.
Prior to the annual 3-day celebration in 2019, the organizers initiated a sustainability project termed ‘Mission: Home‘. This campaign resonated widely, engaging over 2.7 million followers on social media before the festival commenced. Now, Ultra is reinforcing its dedication to environmental stewardship by continuing the ‘Mission: Home’ initiative.
“We are excited to share that our ‘Mission: Home’ sustainability efforts, which encompass our Leave No Trace policy and initiatives to minimize single-use plastics, along with our recycling program, will be ongoing in 2020 and beyond,” stated Vivian Belzaguy, the Senior Manager of Sustainability at Ultra.
The ‘Mission: Home’ initiative resulted in significant changes within the organization while mobilizing vendors, crew, employees, and festival-goers to collectively diminish their environmental footprint. Sustainability actions included restrictions on beach access, a prohibition on polystyrene (styrofoam) products, balloons, confetti, and streamers, alongside phasing out plastic merchandise bags and providing complimentary pocket ashtrays to combat cigarette waste. Furthermore, Ultra increased the number of free water refill stations to reduce reliance on plastic water bottles and banned single-use plastic straws, cups, food packaging, and utensils. Additionally, the festival partnered with an international environmental consulting firm for guidance on wildlife protection.
Local environmental organizations such as VolunteerCleanup.org, Surfrider Miami, and Debris Free Oceans collaborated to create an impartial report that highlights the festival’s accomplishments and insights. Ultra Music Festival received a commendable overall sustainability grade of ‘A’ for its first year. “This event has set a very high standard for future gatherings… We were impressed with how clean the park remained from the beginning to the end of each day,” commented Michelle Swaby, the Special Events Liaison for Virginia Key Beach Park Trust, in a message to the City of Miami Commissioners. “Even the attendees contributed positively by disposing of their trash properly.”
About Ultra Music Festival
Ultra Music Festival is a leading three-day electronic music event showcasing both international and local DJs, renowned for its impressive production held in Miami, FL, USA. The 21st edition took place from March 29-31, 2019.
About VolunteerCleanup.org
VolunteerCleanup.org mobilizes volunteers to clean up neighborhoods, shorelines, and waterways, raising awareness around marine debris and encouraging a reduction in single-use plastics. You can find or organize a cleanup via their official website and viewUltra’s Report Card.
About Debris Free Oceans
Debris Free Oceans is a Miami-based initiative encouraging communities to manage plastic and waste responsibly as part of a global movement to eliminate marine debris from beaches, reefs, and oceans. More information is available on their official website.
About Surfrider Foundation Miami
The Surfrider Foundation is a grassroots nonprofit organization committed to the protection and enjoyment of our oceans, waves, and beaches through a robust network. Established in 1984 by visionary surfers in Malibu, California, Surfrider now boasts over one million supporters, activists, and members, alongside more than 170 volunteer-led chapters and student clubs across the United States, marking over 500 successful initiatives to safeguard the coasts. Learn more on their official website.
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