# Pickathon Music Festival: Redefining Concerts and Sustainability

- Link: https://greenlivingguy.com/2014/09/pickathon-music-festival-redefining-concerts-and-sustainability/
- Published: 2014-09-02T13:05:16-04:00
- Author: greenlivingguy

## Oregon’s Eco-Friendly Music Festival Rocks Sustainability

### Pickathon Leads the Way in Green Event Planning

In the heart of Oregon, a music festival is redefining the concert experience. Pickathon,
held annually in Happy Valley, stands out not just for its eclectic lineup but for
its groundbreaking environmental practices.

#### Zero Waste Revolution

Pickathon has eliminated single-use plastics entirely. Instead, festival-goers [purchase reusable stainless steel cups](https://www.kleankanteen.com/)
for $6. These cups, designed by Klean Kanteen, keep drinks cool and minimize foam.
The result? A staggering drop from 60,000 plastic items in 2009 to zero in 2010.

### Innovative Dining Solutions

Food vendors serve meals on blue [bamboo](https://greenlivingguy.com/2016/06/bamboo-a-renewable-resource/)
plates. Attendees use a token system, paying $10 for a wooden coin. After eating,
they can wash and keep the plate or return it for a refund. This system drastically
reduces waste while maintaining convenience.

#### Powering the Music Sustainably

[Solar energy](https://greenlivingguy.com/2011/10/with-the-global-solar-energy-market-in-flux-and-many-countries-facing-economic-uncertainty-what-are-the-prospects-for-solar/)
takes center stage at Pickathon. A permanent solar array atop the Galaxy Barn powers
an entire stage and all food vendors. Additionally, three solar generators light
up the festival grounds, ensuring a low carbon footprint.

#### Unique Venue Design

Pickathon’s stages showcase creativity and sustainability. One stage, constructed
from recycled wooden pallets, exemplifies upcycling. The Woods stage, nestled in
the forest, features a dome of curling tree branches, blending art with nature.

### Composting and Recycling Efforts

The festival partners with [Clackamas County](https://www.clackamas.us/recycling)
and Hood View Disposal for waste management. Fifty-three volunteers manage compost
buckets throughout the event. While challenges remain with camper-generated waste,
Pickathon continues to innovate in this area.

Pickathon’s success proves that large-scale events can be both entertaining and 
environmentally responsible. As climate awareness grows, this Oregon festival sets
a new standard for the music industry and beyond.

#### Sources

_Klean Kanteen provided free filtered water — along with reusable stainless steel
cups, for $6 — at the [Pickathon Music Festival](https://greenlivingguy.com/2014/10/tree-fund-2014-sets-new-record-for-green-industry/),
held each year in Happy Valley. Winston Ross_

by Winston Ross (including all photos) on August 15, 2014
Source: Nationswell

Jam out to great indie bands and eat delicious artisan food, but don’t expect to
quench your thirst from a plastic water bottle or toss your empty plate in a trash
bin. You’re at [Pickathon](https://pickathon.com/stream/), the U.S.’s greenest music
festival.

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 greenlivingguy

 The Green Living Guy, Seth Leitman is an independent power producer, a green living
expert, and Editor of the McGraw-Hill, TAB Green Guru Guides. Seth is also an Author,
Radio Host, Reporter, Writer and an Environmental Consultant on green living. The
Green Living Guy writes about green living, green lighting, the green guru guides
and more. Seth's books range from: # Build Your Own Electric Vehicle by Bob Brant
and Seth Leitman (2nd and 3rd editions) # Build Your Own Plug-in Hybrid Electric
Vehicle by Seth Leitman # Build Your Own Electric Motorcycle by Carl Vogel # Green
Lighting by Seth Leitman, Brian Clark Howard and Bill Brinsky # Solar Power For 
Your Home by David Findley # Renewable Energies For Your Home by Russel Gehrke #
Do-it-Yourself Home Energy Audits by David Findley # Build Your Own Small Wind Power
System by Brian Clark Howard and Kevin Shea # and more green living books to follow.

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