Sustainability
We are proud to support Ireland’s commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.
With nature playing such a big part of our Festival and the essence of what Killarney is all about, it is extremely important to us that our environmental policies are up to scratch. The team behind Wander Wild Festival are very aware of the waste and carbon emissions born from a few days of festival revelry and are determined to do our part to reduce this.
As part of our commitment, we aim to provide visitors with an immersive and authentic experience of Killarney’s culture and natural beauty. We believe that nature awakens the soul in mind and body, and we are committed to promoting responsible and sustainable practices that protect the environment and support our local community.
While creating this festival we followed Sustainable Tourism development principles;
Inspiration, Passion, Respect and Partnership
Helping, supporting and guiding us on this journey at a local and national level are
OUR GUIDING PARTNERS
Killarney Hotels Sustainability Group
Our commitment to sustainability is reinforced by the activities of Killarney Hotels Sustainability Group. This group is made up of 22 hotels in the Killarney area, representing over 2,500 bedrooms. It is the first sector-based Sustainability Group in Ireland and the member hotels, represented by Owners and General Managers at each property all have sustainability at the core of their values. All member hotels committed to reduce their carbon emissions by 25% and to eliminate Single Use Plastic from their operations.
National Park and Wildlife Services
The protection, conservation and restoration of our biodiversity is of paramount importance to Killarney National Park and to us at Wander Wild Festival. We are very proud that Killarney National Park is a Biosphere Reserve and assure you that all programme activities have been designed and approved with the oversight and expertise of our Park Rangers and Management.
Kerry Convention Bureau & Kerry Tourism Industry Federation
With our partners, Kerry Convention Bureau and Kerry Tourism Industry Federation share the vision for the county of Kerry to be recognised as Ireland’s leading business and leisure destination for sustainability, community, social entrepreneurship and responsible tourism.
Kerry County Sustainable Tourism Strategy
https://www.kerryconventionbureau.com/sustainability/
https://www.discoverkerry.com/en/county-kerry-sustainability/
Failte Ireland
We understand that Wander Wild Festival is a key part of Ireland’s tourism offering, bringing people together for collective experiences that showcase the best of our country. Using the resources from Failte Ireland we will be incorporating sustainable practices into our events.
Leave No Trace
We are a proud member of the Leave No Trace Ireland network which is a group of organisations and individuals with an interest in promoting the responsible recreational use of the outdoors. As increasing numbers of people seek the beauty and exhilaration of outdoor recreation, our collective mark on the environment and its natural processes, increases. Litter, disturbance to vegetation, water pollution, wildlife, livestock and other people are all indicators of the need to develop a national ethic that protects both natural and cultural heritage. Techniques designed to minimise the social and environmental impacts to these areas are incorporated into the Leave No Trace Outdoor Ethics Education Programme.
Our Green Initiatives
No ‘Single Use Plastic’ Policy
We know how damaging single use plastics are which is why we encourage our suppliers and partners to use alternatives wherever they possibly can. In fact, we insist that any traders at our Festival Base Camp only use compostable packaging and cutlery.
Onsite Recycling at Base Camp
Our Big Fish will be a centerpiece at Base Camp to capture any recyclable plastic that attendees find in and around Killarney as they explore over the few days of the festival.
Educate
Our programme includes a number of speaking events to educate visitors and our business community on sustainable practises.
We also have a schools education programme running on 23rd and 24th March to stimulate and inspire our current and future generations to live sustainably with over 200 primary school goers participating.
Food tour
Visitors can celebrate their love of food and adventure when they come to Wander Wild Festival. Our curated Food Tours have been designed to showcase the best of local and seasonal produce ensuring a minimum carbon footprint journey from producer to plate.
Measuring Our Festival Footprint
Each year the Wander Wild Festival will review, evaluate and work towards a sustainable being a sustainable festival and following the below:
Our Recommendations for Festival Attendees
We are on a mission, asking people to join us in considering the impact that the choices they make have on the environment. All the little choices we take to lighten our carbon footprint collectively can make a big difference so let’s work together…..while still enjoying all the amazing experiences that Wander Wild Festival has to offer.
• Come to Killarney by Public Transport, both the train station and bus station are in the heart of Killarney town just walking distance to Festival Base Camp.
• Bring your refillable water bottle and reuseable coffee cup. Businesses all over Killarney will be delighted refill for you.
• Bike and use our Sustainable Bus while you are here.
• There is a host of accommodation providers across Killarney to suit all preferences and budgets, we ask that you also chose one that has a sustainability ethos.
Sustainability Partners
