Sustainability strikes a fierce chord with some people, conjuring images of eclectic green buildings, walkable urban neighborhoods and cafes serving local food. But if the word “sustainability” has you scratching your head, you’re not a solo act.

So what is sustainability?

Most describe it as a balance between the environment, economy and society, so that the progress we make today does not harm future generations’ success.

Philadelphia is on its way to becoming one of the most sustainable cities in America. In the last SustainLane rankings (2006), Philadelphia ranked 8th in the nation – higher than cities like Washington, DC and Denver, CO. Many businesses, organizations and people are working to make Philadelphia more sustainable.

For example, Philadelphia has:

· The tallest green building in the world – the Comcast Tower (LEED certified by the US Green Building Council).

· One of the largest car sharing programs in the world - PhillyCarShare.

· A strong local food movement, including community supported agriculture and farmer’s markets throughout the region, many of whom accept food stamps.

· The “greenest” professional sports team in America- the Philadelphia Eagles, who recycle cups at the stadium, use biodiesel in their vehicles and print materials with recycled paper.

Naturally, it makes sense to make events - like music festivals – more sustainable.

What makes Popped! A sustainable music festival?

Popped! will help break an addiction – to water bottles. Yes they’re convenient, but the water is usually tap water, and it takes a lot of energy to make all those plastic bottles. We wil be recycling all plastic bottles used at the festival.

Whether it’s sheet music, liner notes or tickets, the music industry uses a lot of paper, and so do most events. Popped! will use recycled paper whenever possible. Using recycled paper with post-consumer waste ensures that more trees aren’t chopped down. All paper will be recycled at the festival.

Popped! attendees are going to get schooled. Throughout the festival, vendors and displays will help educate attendees about sustainability through creative, interactive exhibits.

How can you help make Popped! sustainable?

Take public transit. It’s not only cheaper and more convenient than sitting in traffic and dealing with a parking lot, it’s more sustainable. Cars generate a lot of greenhouse gas emissions and use a lot of fuel, which is greatly reduced by using subways and buses.

Be sure to recycle anything you can from the festival – bottles from vendors, paper information, etc.

Support Popped!’s sustainable and local vendors as well as other organizations involved. Get involved with their organizations and patronize their businesses – they’re sustainable, and in some cases local, whether they’re at the festival or not.

What will the artists do to make Popped! sustainable?

Artists are lending their voices, their skills and their art to generate awareness of sustainability.