By Parker McKenzie
Halloween is going green in 2022, with the Philanthropic Collective teaming up with B-Alternative to implement environmentally friendly initiatives for the annual Halloween on the Green event.
Featuring musical acts, a roving wizard storyteller and performances, a best-dressed prize parade, a dunk tank, free carnival rides and trick or treat for kids, the event will make for a family-friendly fun-filled day.
Through the collaboration between the Philanthropic Collective and B-Alternative, all meals on the day will be served on reusable vessels made from compostable rice husks to reduce waste and the event’s carbon footprint. The initiative will cost $2 on top of the entry fee of $6 per person for the event, with B-Alternative normally charging $10 per person for the service.
B-Alternative General Manager James McLennan said supporting community groups like the Philanthropic Collective is “really what we are all about.”
“We now are credited as a social enterprise and with that, we work with a lot of not-for-profit groups to support them in achieving their goals,” he said.
“It’s really just continuing on with what we do.”
Halloween on the Green will be held on Sunday 30 October from 11pm to 5pm at Ferny Creek Recreational Reserve Hall, 16 Clarkmont Road Sassafras.
Philanthropic Collective strategic development and event director Andrew Fillip-Gautier said the idea to collaborate with B-Alternative first started in 2017.
“We’ve always wanted to do something of this nature, purely because it sort of feeds into what we do with our free feed program,” he said.
“We’ve been lucky enough to be able to partner for this event.”
The Collective feeds up to 500 people a week in the Yarra Ranges and surrounding areas with its free feed program.
B-Alternative Director Jason Rahilly said collaboration with community-focused groups like the Philanthropic Collective is a key component for the social enterprise, even if there aren’t profits involved.
“You can care about every single issue, whether it’s women’s rights, custodians, but anything we believe in we can’t do without a planet,” he said.
“The money will come later if it comes but we’re going to go home and sleep well, knowing that we’ve given what we can.”
The initiative can reduce waste at the event by up to 95 per cent and help make it plastic-free. All food vessels will be washed and reused throughout the event, as they have a six to eight-year lifespan before they start to break down.
Philanthropic Collective committee member Suzzane O’Connor said initiatives like this are all about educating people.
“This is a really easy step that I didn’t know about beforehand,” she said.
“We’ve got to protect our environment because the world is changing. A little step like this is going to mean so much for the future and for our children.”
Alongside the reusable vessels, Halloween on the Green will also use environmentally friendly products sourced through BA which can’t be replaced with reusable options.
The Collective is looking for wash station volunteers to aid with the initiative. If you are willing to help out, contact Mr Fillip Gautier at Andrew@philanthropic.org.au.
Applications for stall holders remain open and interest or queries can be sent to Lenora@philanthropic.org.au.
Find out more about Halloween on the Green at www.halloweenonthegreen.com.au/event
