Sustainability
The effects of climate change are clearly noticeable. In addition to acute emergencies in the Global South, the world is also changing even in our privileged circumstances.
For this reason, as festival organizers, we are aware of our responsibility. Not only for the event itself, which takes place in such a beautiful corner of the earth, but also for the values we stand for and want to convey to the outside world. We are working hard to improve our procedures and processes, constantly question ourselves, and find sustainable alternatives. Because culture is essential to empower each other, foster community, and spark creativity. To reflect, but also to find a balance to everyday structures.
For years, we have been making our event more climate-friendly, one step at a time. This is why we have created an internal position dedicated exclusively to the sustainable development of the festival. In doing so, we want to send a clear message, critically question ourselves, and work on our adjusting screws. It is important to us to give you a transparent overview of what we are already doing, what our next steps are, and to honestly share our fuck-ups. You can find all the information in regular updates in our newsletter and on this page.
Furthermore, we have now completed a full CO₂ assessment for the Bucht der Träumer* for the second time. The result: 1,885 tonnes of CO₂ – and a clear picture of where we need to take action. The biggest levers are travel and what we eat. You can find the complete climate assessment here.
Waste
What we do::
- Charge a deposit on rubbish
- Recycle recyclable materials such as plastic and metal
- Use reusable systems instead of disposable ones
- Digital Ticketing
- Minimize printed materials
- No single-use plastic on the entire site
- No distribution of bottles for forest and dance protection
- Continuous expansion of fixed sorting stations
- Zusammenarbeit mit ReFood, um die Speiseresteentsorgung besser & nachhaltiger zu gestalten
- Monitoring and improvement of recyclable material flows
- Strategically producing as little residual waste as possible
What you can do:
- Don't produce any waste
- Bring as little as possible to the festival
- Only buy as much food and drink for the campsite as you can consume
- Avoid disposable tableware
- Bring a reusable bottle and fill it with water
- Use rubbish bags and take them to the return stations at the end of the festival
- Separate waste wherever possible
- Separate plastic and metal (e.g. Tetra Pack, cans, foil, packaging) from residual waste
- Respect the environment, do not throw cigarette butts or rubbish into nature
- Use (pocket) ashtrays and rubbish bins
Recycling & Eco Team
Our Eco Team has been taking care of the entire site cleanup as well as the recycling station from the very beginning – sorting waste, fishing deposit cups and bottles out of the trash, and separating scrap. You'll recognize them by their green shirts – they'll provide you with pocket ashtrays, bin bags, and good vibes at check-in. A dedicated internal position focused exclusively on the sustainable development of the festival ensures that we continuously improve – even when that sometimes costs more than conventional alternatives.
Sanitation & Cycle
Forget standard toilets – with us, doing your business becomes a real adventure! Together with Finizio, we rely on dry toilets, where excretions are turned into valuable fertilizer for agriculture.
Ecological Features:
- Transport efficiency: The Humussphere is one of the most ecological mobile toilets. Thanks to durable, ultra-lightweight materials and a foldable, stackable system, we achieve very high transport efficiency – a single truck can fit up to 700 cabins, compared to around 70 conventional portable toilets.
- No water consumption: Finizio's dry toilets use no water and cause no water pollution.
- Recycling and nutrient cycle: All solid waste goes to the Finizio recycling facility in Eberswalde, where it is processed into safe, high-quality humus fertilizer. Nutrients are recovered, CO₂ is stored. This closes the loop from festival back to field – from soil to soil, so to speak. 😉
- Safety & Hygiene: Medication residues, drugs, and pathogens are reliably removed from the recycled fertilizer. Every batch is strictly tested before it goes to the field.
Catering
We make sure that alongside conventional food options, there is a diverse range of vegetarian and vegan choices. All food products are sourced as locally, seasonally, and fair trade as possible.
We label the most climate-friendly option at each food truck to help you make climate-friendly choices
Throughout the festival grounds, drinking water stations are available. They are clearly marked on the map and on-site with signage. Fill up your bottles.
Energy
Unfortunately, we are currently only able to power about 20% of our festival with grid electricity. The rest comes from diesel generators. We monitor our diesel consumption and include it in our climate footprint. Our long-term goal is to make our energy supply as fossil-free as possible.
Logistics & Resources
What we do:
- Logistics planning that is as efficient as possible
- Carpooling with the crew team
- Avoiding empty runs
- Festival merchandise made from sustainably certified raw materials
- Careful use of water
- Use of permanently installed toilets on site
- Collaboration with Finizio (dry toilets) for an additional 13 stations, seven of which are additionally equipped with UniPees (unisex urinal cubicles)
- Close cooperation with Missoir (urinals for women*)
- Use of sustainable products, e.g. with Fairtrade, organic or Blauer Engel certification
What you can do:
- Be environmentally conscious
- Use Finizio dry toilets, save water and contribute to quality-assured fertiliser production
- Avoid urinating in public – protect the soil, plants and animals
- Save water and keep shower times short
- Use biodegradable shower gel
- Do not leave packaging behind
- Use camping equipment long-term
- Take all equipment home with you
- Borrow camping equipment from friends
- Keep your packing list as short as possible
Mobility
We kindly request that all visitors use public transport or bicycles to travel to the event, if possible. The following options are available:
- Book a Bassliner
- Take the Train very close to the Festival Site Station Helenesee
- Rückenwind e. V. is once again organising a group bike tour from Berlin to Helenesee this year
- Carpooling when a car is unavoidable
- Take part in our travel survey in the newsletter – it helps us with planning and gives us leverage when negotiating with the railway
To ensure a safe journey, check our newsletter or the public transport operator's website in good time for any disruptions or cancellations during the festival period.
In the long term, we would like to reduce car travel wherever possible, as travel is the biggest factor in the festival's carbon footprint. More information on travel can be found at https://bucht-der-traeumer.de/anfahrt/
Camping & Equipment
What we do:
Thinking of coming by car because you have too much luggage? We might have a solution for you. We work with partners who make it possible to bring less and throw away less: my-tent-is-already-up: Simply book your tent and accessories in advance – and find it already set up on site. Various tent sizes are available, from a one-person tent to a palace for up to six people. Equipment such as an air mattress, sleeping bag, table, and sun canopy can be added flexibly.
Outzip: For those who want to stay flexible or add to their existing camping gear, Outzip offers a wide selection of camping and outdoor equipment to rent for on-site pickup and self-assembly. Perfect if you want to be part of your friends' camp.
What you can do:
- Only bring what you really need
- Rent camping equipment (on site) instead of buying new
- Take your tent and equipment home at the end of the festival – don't leave anything behind at the campsite
Cultural Programme & Sustainability
The topic of sustainability is also reflected in our cultural programme. Keep a special eye out for it in performances, workshops, and spaces.
Feedback & Ideas
Would you like to contribute critically and constructively to the sustainable development of the festival? Please feel free to contact our sustainability coordinator: