NC State’s annual festival, Packapalooza, is among the university’s largest — and most sustainable — campus events.
An all-day block party and festival along Hillsborough Street on August 22, this year’s Packapalooza is a Wolfpack Certified Sustainable event recognized for integrating sustainability in event planning. The event, which was certified at the Champion level, is expected to attract 55,000 attendees to experience more than 300 vendor booths, musical performances and other unique NC State experiences.
“We are committed to celebrating NC State in a sustainable manner,” said planning team member Megan Winzeler, who is also the communications and media specialist for NC State’s Office of International Affairs. “Packapalooza is proud to be a Certified Sustainable Event because it demonstrates the Wolfpack’s commitment to making our community and world a better place.”
Among the event’s sustainable features is the “Green Zone,” a collection of vendors and organizations that promote the conservation of natural environments, sustainable living and healthy lifestyles through interactive learning and tangible takeaways.
The event’s planning committee also designed numerous paperless initiatives, such as a primarily digital promotion strategy and use of NC State University Guides App instead of printed maps and event information.
“Being able to use the app to access maps, stage schedules and zone information cuts down on the use of printed materials and has a huge environmental impact when you’re talking about an audience of more than 55,000 people,” Winzeler said.
Event attendees will also be able to fill up their reusable water bottles at Water Monster machines, which provide filtered water while reducing the waste associated with use of disposable plastic water bottles. Recycling will be located throughout the event and composting will be offered in some areas. The planning committee also utilized sustainable purchasing resources to guide selection of event materials, such as reusable items, items that could be borrowed instead of purchased and items made from recycled content.
The event is from 2 – 10 p.m. and utilizing alternative transportation to the event — such as the bus, carpool, walking or biking — is encouraged.
While Packapalooza caps a busy Wolfpack Welcome Week, another Wolfpack Certified Sustainable event kickstarts the week. RecFest, an August 16 event hosted by University Recreation, also achieved Champion level sustainability certification. Expected to attract 10,000 students, the event features sustainable actions such as donation of leftover food to local nonprofits, recycling, composting pizza boxes and extensive paperless efforts.