Newport Festivals Foundation, producer of the Newport Folk and Newport Jazz Festivals, today announced that Newport-based 11th Hour Racing is returning as the Environmental Awareness Sponsor of the festivals for the third consecutive year, continuing its longstanding support for sustainability initiatives at these landmark events in Newport.
According to Newport Festivals Foundation, the following initiatives will be supported by 11th Hour Racing;
- The Newport Festivals Foundation plans to collaborate with Sound Future to measure and offset emissions through a regenerative kelp program, tracking carbon offsets in Rhode Island. This initiative will support local kelp farms through GreenWave.
- Composting and Waste Management: Implementing food waste composting with a dedicated Green Team to enhance waste management practices.
- Water Refilling Stations: Offering water refilling stations to minimize single-use plastic consumption among festival-goers.
- Bike Valet Service: Encouraging fossil-fuel-free transportation options with a convenient bike valet service managed by Bike Newport.
- Bike Stage: Supporting the Bike Stage, powered by bicycles and solar energy, showcasing sustainable energy solutions.
- The Newport Festivals Music Lab, supported by a grant from 11th Hour Racing, is a partnership between the Newport Festivals Foundation and MET East Bay High School. Students meet weekly to learn instruments, form bands, and develop essential business skills. This year, students from the “Build a Band” program will perform at the Folk Festival.
In collaboration with festival organizers, 11th Hour Racing will support a sustainability consultant to conduct audits to identify further opportunities for environmental initiatives at future festivals.