Green Spotlight: Les Schwab Amphitheater’s New Sustainability Initiative

We’re excited to see that Les Schwab Amphitheater recently launched their “Take Note Initiative” to reduce waste at upcoming concerts. The roll-out of this new program occurred last Friday at the Alabama Shakes performance, the first concert of the season.

Hosting zero waste events can be tricky at large venues  (Check out the Bulletin article from February to gain insight on the beginning stages of this important conversation.) But Les Schwab is teaming up with new local business, The Broomsmen, to make a strong effort.

At the Alabama Shakes concert, we noticed food vendors using compostable items, and The Broomsmen’s zero waste stations were thoughtfully designed and stood out very well. (Not to mention each one is staffed to help concert-goers determine where to throw.) The Broomsmen team also sorts the bins throughout the event to ensure everything is properly disposed of. In addition, there’s a new water bottle filling station where visitors can refill a reusable cup or bottle.

The Environmental Center’s Rethink Waste Project offers a variety of resources for event managers and provides Zero Waste Station supplies — so we are obviously excited about these new developments for such a large Central Oregon venue!

Learn more about the Take Note Initiative on their website.

Take Note Initiative elements include:

• • Reusable pint program: Patrons may purchase reusable Les Schwab Amphitheater Silipints for $20 filled with beer or cider. Those who wish to refill their Silipint with additional beer or cider will receive $1 off their purchase price. These pints are meant to be brought back and used all season long at the venue’s 2016 ticketed concerts.
  • Compostable cups: Beer and cider will also be available for purchase in compostable cups. All wine and mixed drinks will be sold in compostable cups, though the intention of the venue is to expand the program with smaller Silipint sizes and other alternative drinkware options down the road, to include these beverages. No outside cups or pints can be used for purchased beer or cider. In addition, all food vendors will use 100% compostable cups, plates and utensils.
  • No plastic bottles: No single-use plastic bottles will be available for purchase during any concert, although patrons can bring and use their own cups and bottles to fill with water from drinking fountains and the soon-to-be-installed hydration stations. Visitors can also stop by the concierge tent to purchase single or double-walled canteens or pick up a free compostable cup.
  • Waste disposal program: Recycling, waste management and composting will be provided by The Broomsmen, a local business  that is committed to helping events go zero waste throughout Central Oregon.