Edinburgh Mela serves up polystyrene ban
Scotland's biggest celebration of world music and dance, the Edinburgh Mela, has banned food traders from using polystyrene.
The festival will use eco-packaging from Vegware, which manufactures compostable takeaway packaging made from plants that can be composted together with food waste.
Chris Purnell, director of the Edinburgh Mela, said: "We are aiming to raise the bar in every aspect of the Edinburgh Mela and our waste management policy is part of that process. Vegware has been incredibly supportive in guiding us through the processes and helping us to achieve our goals."
Eilidh Brunton, group recycling consultant for Vegware, said: "If New York City can ban polystyrene food containers, so can Edinburgh Mela, where there is a huge benefit for recycling.
"The Mela has a three-bin system: compostables (food waste and used Vegware); dry mixed recycling; and general waste. We see them as an excellent example of a zero-waste event."
The policy will be carefully communicated and enforced at the festival and is in the traders' contracts. During the event, market managers will monitor the festival, and if anyone is found using non-compostables, even plastic forks, the ultimate sanction is that they are stopped from trading.
The Edinburgh Mela is recruiting recycling volunteers to help the festival, held on the 29 and 30 August, achieve its zero-waste goals.
