Our Path to Zero Waste
At A2SF, sustainability is more than a goal—it’s a shared commitment to our community and planet. In 2018, we set an ambitious vision: to transform Top of the Park into a zero-waste event by 2023. Thanks to the dedication of our team, volunteers, and incredible partners, we’ve made significant progress and are proud of the collective impact we’ve achieved.
In 2019, we took a bold step forward by introducing three-stream waste receptacles across the festival grounds and expanding our volunteer team to guide and educate attendees. Every composted plate, recycled bottle, and informed choice brought us closer to zero waste.
All of our food vendors and caterers are now fully zero-waste compliant, helping build an ecosystem rooted in shared responsibility. Learning activities in the Annex and KidZone educate and inspire the next generation, offering hands-on experiences led by local organizations to encourage sustainable habits at home.
Our waste diversion rate has increased from 60% to over 83% in just four years—a milestone made possible by collaborative, community-driven partnerships. Thanks to efforts alongside A2ZERO, Recycle Ann Arbor, Zero Waste Washtenaw, Live Zero Waste, The Ride, and the Huron River Watershed Council, we continue to lead, learn, and grow.
Integral to our success has been the support of partners like the City of Ann Arbor Office of Sustainability and Innovations’ A2H2O program, which helped us reduce single-use plastics by providing public water stations. The University of Michigan Office of Campus Sustainability and the Washtenaw County Water Resources Commissioner have also provided invaluable support. We’re especially grateful to Toyota, whose initial sponsorship helped launch this initiative.
We also believe art plays a vital role in shaping how people engage with their environment. Through artist-led initiatives like Juan Martinez’s Pedal Powered Kinetic Sculptures and Mary Mattingly’s Objects in the Round, we spotlight creative voices advancing conversations around sustainability and resourcefulness.
Together, we’re not just celebrating summer—we’re shaping a more sustainable future for our region and beyond.
In The Media:
Issues Of The Environment: A2 Summer Festival Sets Zero-Waste Goal
Ann Arbor Summer Festival to debut environmental programming this year
Ann Arbor Summer Festival ramps up efforts to generate zero waste
Ann Arbor Summer Festival announces zero waste initiative
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