In particular, the organizers promise to use half the red carpet (Archives) – F. Binacchi / ANP / 20 Minutes
The Cannes Film Festival, which had already undertaken a series of actions intended to reduce its environmental footprint in recent years, has announced that it wants to move “up a gear” from its next edition, in early July.
Official cars will be 60% hybrid or electric in particular, paper prints will be halved, as will the volume of red carpet used. Plastic water bottles will be eliminated (22,000 were distributed in 2019).
Short circuits for gala dinners
Caterers will also be encouraged to “favor short circuits and fresh seasonal products, offer vegetarian alternatives, fight against waste and limit waste”. On this issue, the festival indicates that it has already succeeded in “recovering” 99% of its 250 tonnes of waste, and wants to maintain this rate above 95%.
Each participant will also have to pay 20 euros to offset the environmental footprint of their travel and accommodation. A contribution, the amount of which is not specified, will be allocated to “reliable and relevant compensation” projects, chosen by “a scientific committee of independent experts”.
The ecological footprint of the festival had been criticized by associations alarmed by the kilos of food thrown away or the ballet of yachts, planes and sedans. The organizers have not published an assessment of the environmental footprint of the event or quantified objectives, but promise several “milestones” by July 2021.