As the Spring Garden Festival has grown bigger and more successful each year, we in turn have learned and grown through our experiences in each successive event. We again will be working hard to reduce the environmental impact of the Spring Garden Festival by working to reduce waste.

Please read the following guidelines and policies that vendors are asked to adhere to for the upcoming Spring Garden Festival.

NOTE: A downloadable / printable version (Adobe PDF format) of these rules and policies is available at the bottom of this page.

Garbage and Recycling Standards

ALL VENDORS

All recyclable glass, plastic and metal should be placed in containers provided. All vendors are required to break down cardboard boxes and stack them to the rear of your booth space where they will be picked up each evening. No other materials or garbage are to be left; they should be taken with you when you depart.

Prior to tear down, non-recyclable materials should be placed in bag-lined garbage cans for easy pick up. Please do not put boards, other large items or anything that can puncture the liner in the trash cans. Large items that don’t comfortably fit into trash cans should be taken with you.

Vendors are asked to look for innovative ways to reduce their packaging and disposable items as much as possible.

FOOD VENDORS

We ask all vendors to use paper products where practical. Plastic straws, stirrers, Styrofoam or plastic cups, bowls or plastic cannot be used if recyclable substitutes are commercially available. All food and paper items are composted on site. Eliminating plastic from the waste stream reduces the amount transported to a landfill from 20 cubic yards to one cubic yard.

Vendors found in violation of the above policy may be asked to refrain from further sales until they are in compliance and may not be invited back.

If you have any questions regarding the procurement of appropriate products please contact Jeannie Economos at 407 425-8077.

All vendors are encouraged to ask their clients to use the containers for recycling glass, aluminum and plastic provided throughout the gardens. Cans, etc. used in food preparation should be rinsed out and separated for recycling.

Making a Difference

Awards

Awards will be offered to the most environmentally friendly food vendor. Ribbons will be awarded to 1st, 2nd and 3rd place, Judging will take place Saturday and Sunday with the awards being presented Sunday afternoon. Judging will be based on a vendor’s endeavors to have a minimal impact on the environment.

Spring Garden Festival -- a leader in environmental awarness

As a result of your cooperation the Spring Garden Festival has been recognized with a Waste Reduction Award from the Alachua County Commissioners and a special recognition award from the Solid Waste Association of America.

We thank you for following the guidelines and policies when preparing for this year’s exciting event.