Paderborn University research project kicks off the new festival season
The disposal of cigarette waste poses a particular challenge at outdoor events. This is because, unlike other waste, it is much more difficult to collect and becomes an environmental problem. The "NachhaltigkeitsKulturOWL" research project, coordinated by Paderborn University, is investigating how the amount of cigarette waste in particular can be reduced. Last year, the research team handed out pocket ashtrays made from recycled PET at the AStA Summer Festival for the first time and, following the event, exchanged ideas with the Paderborn waste disposal and city cleaning company (ASP) and analysed random waste samples. The result: prevention plays a particularly important role. For this reason, free pocket ashtrays will also be handed out at this year's AStA Summer Festival on Thursday, 11 June, to prevent cigarette butts from being thrown on the ground in the crowd, e. g. in front of the stages.
Preventive education meets pragmatic solution
Another preventative measure is banners on the grounds informing people about the negative environmental impact of "flicking cigarette butts". Just one cigarette butt can contaminate up to 1,000 litres of water, as carcinogenic or mutagenic substances are released when the filter decomposes. Prof. Dr. Beate Flath, head of the research project, explains: "Festivals in particular benefit from low-threshold solutions. That's why we are taking a pragmatic approach. With the free pocket ashtrays, we offer visitors an uncomplicated way to dispose of cigarette waste directly where it is produced. In this way, we not only want to increase cleanliness, but also raise awareness of environmental protection and sustainability among the public." Following the AStA Summer Festival, the project team will again analyse random samples of waste.
Concrete result in Beverungen: Establishment of a shuttle service
At the Orange Blossom Special Festival in Beverungen last year, the research team also conducted a mobility survey among visitors. Many of them stated that they would use public transport more if it was better connected. As a direct response to this result, a shuttle service from Lauenförde-Beverungen railway station to the festival site was set up this year to make it easier for visitors to use public transport. The "NachhaltigkeitsKulturOWL" team also conducted a mobility survey this year and analysed the extent to which the service was used and how it helped to reduce overall emissions from public mobility.
About the "NachhaltigkeitsKulturOWL" research project
"NachhaltigkeitsKulturOWL" is a three-year research project funded by the European Union and the state of North Rhine-Westphalia with a total of around 320,000 euros as part of the "Regio.NRW - Transformation" (ERDF) funding programme. It is coordinated by Paderborn University and headed by Professor Flath. Together with the joint partner Schlosspark und Lippesee GmbH and eleven project partners from all over East Westphalia-Lippe, innovative strategies for more sustainability at outdoor cultural events are being developed and trialled.
This text was translated automatically.
