With small steps taken in 2016 to recycle, one of the major goals for Jade Presents this summer is to increase awareness and be recycling leaders. Over 29,000 patrons attended the 16 concerts in 2016; this year that number is expected to increase and with it, piles upon piles of plastic, aluminum and leftover food.

The first change began this past June. Plastic bottled soda will still be available for purchase, but through the Bluestem Green Initiative, audiences are highly encouraged to bring their own (empty) water containers.

Jade Presents purchased two WaterMonster coolers, available for use near the east and west concession stands. Reusable water bottles will also be available to purchase at the Jade Presents Tent, located on the east side, for $5.

“Last year we went through over 10,000 water bottles and this year we’re aiming to reduce that number to zero,” Nate Callens, Jade Presents graphic designer and green initiative leader, said.

Leftover food from the artist village (a serene collection of tiny houses for touring artists and their crews) will be composted. Jade Presents is working with Minnkota Recycling to further sort and reuse plastics, cardboard and paper products.

“As a long time, event producer, we see lots of waste…uneaten backstage catering and dumpsters full of garbage ,” Jade Nielsen, President of Jade Presents, said. “We feel an obligation to Mother Nature to limit this as much as humanly possible.”