The Kickapoo Country Fair is Zero Waste and Carbon Neutral

The Kickapoo Country Fair strives to be both a zero waste and a carbon neutral event. Mindful of the need to minimize waste and environmental impact of the Fair, we have taken measures to reduce or eliminate any materials that may end up as landfill waste. All utensils and supplies used by KCF vendors must be of approved compostable, biodegradable, or recyclable materials.

All compostable materials will be processed on-site in Organic Valley facilities. The 2008 KCF produced 35 yards of certified organic compost. In addition the 08 event recycled over 500 lbs. of materials including cardboard, glass, aluminum, and plastic 1-7s.

Look for the many "Green Zones" throughout the grounds. These areas will be clearly marked and staff will help direct the proper sorting of your disposable materials. Be sure to thank our hard-working Green Team for the important work they do!

There are also many water stations throughout the fair site to help cut down on the need to recycle water containers. Please bring your bottle to fill or consider purchasing a commemorative KCF bottle at the Ticket Tent. KCF bottles are BPA free recyclable plastic. Refilling water bottles saves resources and decreases carbon emissions

For the first time, the KCF will calculate the carbon footprint of the fair. This will be done by quantifying the carbon emissions from travel, electricity use and fossil fuel consumption. A new solar tracker installation at the fair site will provide clean renewable energy for some of the fair operations. This new green power will help to reduce our emissions. What can't be reduced will be offset. Jim and Julie Wedeberg's farm in Gays Mills has been identified as the sponsor carbon sink for the event. Because of their farming practices and their commitment to organic agriculture, their farm sequesters three times the amount of carbon they produce. These figures are based on 27 years of research completed by the Rodale Institute. They conclude that an organic soybean/corn rotation can sequester up to 1.75 tons of carbon per acre per year. Our estimates predict the need for 68 acres or organic farming by the Wedebergs to offset the unavoidable emissions of this year's fair.