Client Success Story
Hillside Music Festival: Pioneering Sustainability with Fill it Forward
Hillside Music Festival, one of Canada’s most environmentally progressive events, has long been celebrated for its commitment to sustainability and community-driven activism. This not-for-profit festival has become a beacon of environmental leadership, demonstrating how music, art, and eco-consciousness can seamlessly intertwine.
In 2019, Hilliside collaborated with Fill it Forward to complete their goal of reducing single-use waste at their event. They purchased reusable stainless steel branded mugs for their beer, cider, and coffee vendors. They continue to encourage attendees to bring their own reusables and now have a sustainable solution for those who need it, which also acts as a great memento from the festival.
Since the 1980s, Hillside has implemented groundbreaking sustainability initiatives, transforming the festival experience and the future of festival culture. Its “green” philosophy permeates every facet of the event, from the food served to the stages powered by renewable energy. Hillside’s dedication to minimizing its environmental footprint aligns perfectly with Fill it Forward’s mission to inspire reuse and reduce single-use waste.
Fill it Forward helped us achieve our goal of completely eliminating single-use plastic at our festival. Hillside Festival is renowned as one of Canada’s most progressive, non-commercial, and environmentally sustainable music festivals, and our partnership with Fill it Forward is a huge part of this success! We love working with the Fill it Forward team!
Kate Johnston
Hillside has continued to run a waste-free festival year after year by eliminating single-use waste and implementing additional sustainable initiatives. The festival’s Green Team is vital in advancing sustainability and raising funds for alternative energy and green infrastructure projects. Their initiatives have powered stages through pedal power, allowing attendees to contribute directly to energy production.
The team also created a Living Roof on the Main Stage, which improves air quality, reduces stormwater runoff, and provides a natural habitat for birds and butterflies. This showcases Hillside’s dedication to environmental stewardship.
Waste reduction is integral to Hillside, with the Trash Turnaround stations offering compost, recycling, and dish bins, and dedicated Dish Wizards cleaning reusable plates, cups, and sporks from food vendors to minimize landfill waste. Promoting eco-friendly transportation, Hillside encourages biking and offers a shuttle bus system, while solar-powered phone chargers and a solar water heater reflect the festival’s innovative approach to sustainability and renewable energy.
Through this long-standing partnership with Fill it Forward, Hillside continues to lead the way in sustainability, proving that community-driven events can inspire lasting environmental change. In 2023, Hillside was honored with the Changemaker Award, recognizing them as a leader in Climate Action. This award recognizes those who have taken significant strides to reduce their carbon footprint, leading the charge in combating climate change by implementing sustainable practices that contribute to a greener and more resilient planet.
Together, we are building a future where festivals are not just celebrations of music and culture but also powerful platforms for environmental advocacy and innovation.
