Monday, March 12, 2007

SXSW Festival Goes Green

Long hailed the Live Music Capital of the World, Austin is claiming itself green for this year's South by Southwest Music, Film, and Interactive Festival. That's right, this years infamous festival is a totally carbon neutral event. SXSW is working closely with Austin Energy to greening all aspects of the festival starting at their "home" offices to use more efficient heating and cooling systems, replacing light bulbs, and even analyzing the staff's commuting plans to make them more energy friendly. In addition they are committed to aggressive recycling efforts, biodiesel production trucks, buying wind credits from Green Energy Mountain Co, and even working with legislators to strengthen the state's energy policy. The promoters of this event are putting their money where the mouth is and have purchased $5000 from the Austin Parks Department to the purchase and maintenance of native trees.

SXSW is committed for the long haul continuing to seek opportunities to green up their act and encouraging individuals to seek ways to reduce their carbon footprint.

Recently voted the #1 city for Cleantech, this Best Little City in America and perhaps one of the top festivals around is setting a trend that being green is cool.

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