Green Daily

All giant music festivals seems to have one thing in common, a huge environmental footprint. Just considering the mountains of trash that are left when any one concert ends, it's mind-blowing to imagine the environmental impact of literally thousands of concerts going on in the span of a week or so -- but that's the allure of SXSW. It's any music buff's fantasy -- and any environmentalist's nightmare. Musicians, filmmakers, programmers and fans from literally all over the world all crowd into Austin to take part in one of the biggest arts conferences in the world.

This year, however, the minds behind the curtain are tackling the problem by rolling out a new carbon-neutral policy. That policy will include teaming up with environmental groups to recycle all waste from SXSW outdoor parties and events. The festival offices (which operate year-round) have been equipped with energy-saving lighting, HVAC, and insulation -- they're even trying to green their daily commutes. All SXSW generators will be running on biodiesel -- although there is much debate about biodiesel's carbon footprint. The festival is also buying renewable energy credits from Green Mountain Energy Co. as well as donating money to the Austin Parks Dept. for their tree planting efforts.

So there you have it, SXSW is taking its first baby steps towards paying down its enormous carbon bill. It'll still be a while before they can neutralize the millions of miles participants are driving and flying to get to the fest, but first things first. Considering the festival's record of success, I think it's possible they could pull off a completely carbon neutral festival in a few years. Now, if they could only figure out a way to neutralize all the hangovers.