Operation: Adaptation

By Melinda Toussaint

Looking ahead to warmer weather many of us are anticipating summer, concerts, and fun; i.e. Summer Fest, Country Thunder, etc. But some of us don’t have to wait until summer to enjoy the music and fun. Some of us can even give back to the Earth while enjoying those pleasures. It’s called Operation: Adaptation and it will be held on April 24th and 25th of 2009 in Sullivan, WI (40 minutes from Milwaukee or Madison).

Operation: Adaptation is a common ground for vendors and visitors to promote, network, and learn new eco-friendly ideas. It is a two day music festival unlike any other. With green activities and alternatives you can car-pool away with a new perspective on your contribution to the world.
For every ticket purchased ($45) Trees For The Future will plant one tree in the grounds of rural areas spanning Asia, Africa, and Central America. This will help eliminate CO2 emissions from the air.

For that ticket you will experience approximately 25 bands on three different stages; one of which is powered entirely by the people there. The Human Powered Bike Stage is powered by eight people riding bikes (you may also contribute by riding) to keep lights, instruments, and PA systems working. But that’s not all that has gone green; the utensils for food have as well.

The food will be provided by Totally Baked Pizza and will be served with corn-based dishes and utensils. Corn-based products decompose much faster than regular plastic, thus better for the environment.

Lastly, camping grounds are helping out too. To camp on the grounds for those two days it will only cost $5 and the best part is that 100% of the proceeds go directly to the Jammin’ For Jamaica fund, an organization dedicated to raising money for supplies and music education for Porus, Jamaica.

As you can see, every aspect of this festival is green and you can be part of the green team too! If you or your business wants to volunteer, sign up at www.operationadaptation.com because they need help in all areas, especially set up and clean up. Or if you just want a chance to witness the future in the making, go online and purchase your ticket now!

However, for those of you not near Wisconsin, take note from Operation: Adaptation and take your music to a green level. This upcoming concert season try to:

- print your tickets off online on recycled paper
- download directions to the venue directly to your mobile phone
- try out corn-based or compostable dishes and utensils on your next camping trip (check out www.letsgogreen.biz to order yours in bulk)
- carpool or ride your bike to the venue (Operation: Adaptation even rewards their visitors for doing so)
- volunteer for a music festival in your area to help them recycle materials and stay green (it will help your resume as well)

Visit www.operationadaptation.com for more information and make sure to enjoy your upcoming concert season in the greenest way possible. Who knows it might make the music sound even sweeter!