Hy-Vee and True/False have joined forces to grow the film festival’s sustainability program, now in its third year.

Hy-Vee’s values align with those of Columbia’s home-grown festival. “We continue to find ways to shrink our carbon footprint and generate awareness for best practices like recycling, composting and shifting to alternative sources of energy,” said True/False co-director Paul Sturtz.

“Sustainability is part of our focus on healthy living,” said Matt Off, director of the Columbia, Missouri Rock Bridge Hy-Vee. “Working towards more sustainable ways of doing business is part of our overall mission to make people’s lives easier, healthier and happier.”

Hy-Vee will support the 30-member True/False Green Team, which collects food waste from seven restaurants and nine venues and spaces throughout the weekend. Last year, the Green Team captured over 2,200 lbs of food waste which was turned into nutrient-rich soil used to grow local produce by the Columbia Center for Urban Agriculture’s “Planting for the Pantry” program. The composting bins have been provided with support from St. James Winery.

Hy-Vee has agreed to donate ten percent of proceeds from selected grocery items to the Fest’s sustainability program, including St. James wine and True/False limited edition beer from Logboat and Public House breweries.

A first time sponsor of True/False, Renew Missouri will present the Forrest Theater and launch its “Home Grown Energy” project at a benefit from 3 to 5 p.m. on Thursday, March 1 at The Industry in the Tiger Hotel.

True/False received the 2017 Mayor’s Climate Protection Agreement Award for Innovation Best Practices as a result of its expansive efforts to one day become a Zero-Waste Fest. “As the Fest continues to strive toward zero-waste, we encourage our community to join us in the mission for a sustainable future,” said Patricia Weisenfelder, sustainability coordinator for the Fest. The pillars of the festival’s sustainability programming include:

Reducing Starting this year, True/False is going straw free and encouraging local restaurants to do the same. Additionally, Camp True/False will be passing on disposables and switching to reusable plates and flatware. These dishes will cover four meals for over 100 students and prevent the need for nearly 450 place-settings.

Recycling is is available at every film and event at the fest. The City of Columbia’s Solid Waste Utility provides additional recycling bins and dumpsters dispersed throughout downtown and monitored by the Green Team. Fest-goers are encouraged to recycle all glass, aluminum, plastics labeled 1-7, and paper products. By paying extra attention to what attendees tossing and where, T/F can reduce our landfill contribution.

Reusing Supplies and materials from previous years are integrated into new displays. Artists are encouraged to add an element of environmental consciousness to their creations. Old apparel and other items have been donated or upcycled into scarves.

Transportation True/False is a centrally located, walkable, bikeable, mass transit accessible Fest. Out-of-town guests are encouraged to rent bikes from local shops and are provided additional bike parking racks by GetAbout Columbia. Bike riders can stop by a bike check station for free tune-ups, safety tips, and inspections compliments of Walt’s Bike Shop. T/F has partnered with Go COMO to provide free public transportation on city buses during the weekend as well as a special T/F venue route.

Hydration Water refill stations will be offered at most venues, courtesy of Ecowater Systems. Also, many places around town, including Kaldi’s Coffee, offer a discount for using refillable mugs.

Conversation Stations and Solar Education Booth Solar-powered lighting will illuminate discussions at hubs in the Fest’s Sculpture Yard on South Ninth Street, courtesy of Missouri Solar Applications, LLC.

For more about True/False’s Green Mission head here.