Tuifl Verein Lermoos – More than just smoke, noise and horns

Hello Daniel. What motivated you to organise the 1st May Festival in Lermoos according to the criteria of GREEN EVENTS TIROL?

We didn't just want to celebrate, we also wanted to set an example. Sustainability and climate protection don't have to be boring – we showed that you can do something for the climate even when celebrating, by using regional products, systematic waste separation and short transport routes. Every decision – from the tableware to the choice of food and music – was a small contribution with a big impact.
Many people like to see the "Tuifl" as a kind of "protective darkness" – and that may even be true for some Krampus runs. But at the May Festival, we at GET basic showed that there is more to us than just smoke, noise and horns! Even the building yard and the municipal employees praised us several times for our almost exemplary waste separation – no glass is thrown away, at most a compliment. We also showed that sustainable celebrations don't have to smell like eco-lectures – but like a good atmosphere and a clean festival site! And by the way: a few people have already contacted us to ask how we did it – it seems as if we have suddenly become the "green party influencers" of the region.

Do you want to stick with Green Event for this and other events?

Yes, we would like to improve even further and will of course stay on the ball! With the support of the local council and REA, we are currently in the process of purchasing a mobile dishwashing unit. Our aim is to make it easier for other clubs and organisations to join Green Event Tirol. After all, sustainability shouldn't be complicated – and clean dishes for everyone is a good start!

How much extra effort did sustainability require at the May Festival?

There was extra effort involved, but it was absolutely within reason. Of course, you have to plan a few more things: organising waste separation, getting regional suppliers on board, etc. But we also received a lot of positive feedback – from visitors, the community, the building yard and the sponsors. And let's be honest: if the biggest extra effort is washing glasses and plates instead of throwing them away, then that's an effort we're happy to make. Especially when it's not only good for the environment, but also for our club's bank account! And last but not least: our delicious food not only tastes more sustainable on porcelain plates – it also tastes better!

Did you incur high additional costs?

We collected our crockery over a period of 1.5 years with the support of hotels and restaurants – this required forward planning rather than large purchases. We only had to buy a few extra glasses, but this was absolutely within budget. So sustainability doesn't have to be expensive – just well planned! As mentioned, we already had our crockery, so we've been saving a lot of money here for some time now. Paper plates are a cost factor at larger parties that should not be underestimated, but they are avoidable.

Which GREEN EVENT TIROL measure would you like to highlight to the public?

We used the back of our menu to convey the topic of sustainability in a humorous way (see below). And best of all, our donation went to the social fund of the municipality of Lermoos. For us, sustainability is not just about protecting the climate, but also about doing good for the local people.

What tips would you give other organisers, or what would you advise them against?

My tip is: porcelain instead of plastic – yes, that means washing up instead of throwing away, and separating waste instead of "everything in one bag". It may sound like more work, but with the right planning, it's quick and easy and even fun in the end. And if you don't try, you can't fail.
What I would advise against is seeing sustainability as a "chore" or leaving everything to the last minute. Then it becomes stressful and neither fun nor sensible.