Salone del Gusto - Terra Madre

REDUCING THE EVENT’S ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT

When it comes to human activities, there is no such thing as zero impact. And certainly not for large, complex events like major international fairs and meetings. But that doesn’t mean that their impact can’t be reduced through innovation, research and creativity. This is what Slow Food has been doing with the Salone del Gusto and Terra Madre since 2006. By 2010, we had made significant progress, reducing the event’s environmental impact by 65% compared to the 2006 edition. With the 2012 edition, we hope to increase that percentage, with the aim of reducing the impact by over 70% compared to 2006.

This process is based on analysis and systemic, interdisciplinary design, taking advantage of scientific consultation from the University of Gastronomic Sciences and the Industrial Design department of the Turin Polytechnic. The main strategies involve limiting the amount of waste produced, compensating for emitted CO2, rationally managing the transport of goods, responsibly using water and energy, choosing eco-friendly materials for displays and graphics and applying innovative solutions never before used in this field.

The Salone del Gusto and Terra Madre communication campaign has reduced the production of paper materials to a minimum, thanks to the development of online communication, the use of social media and the replacement of the printed program with a free application that will be available in September for Android and iPhone. Interactive and easy to consult, the app will help visitors see all the daily events, pick which ones they want to see and book a place.

The collaboration of visitors is essential to achieving the objective of reducing the environmental impact of the Salone del Gusto and Terra Madre 2012, in particular through cooperation in separated waste collection and use of public transport to reach the event.

Exhibitors and visitors become co-organizers of the event, sharing the responsibility for a complex system in which their behavior can determine the final reduction of the event’s negative environmental impact.

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