An eco-friendly festival

Since 2017, the La Virée Trad festival has been committed to an eco-responsible approach aimed at reducing the impact of its activities on the environment and promoting sustainable and ethical social and economic values.

Environment

Reducing our environmental footprint
Since 2023, we have been offsetting the GHG (Greenhouse Gas) emissions produced by our activities and the road travel of our exhibitors and festival-goers. This year again, we will be planting trees through the SARGIM company (plantation certified by COTNOIR).

Waste recovery
Once again this year, a green brigade will be present throughout the festival to raise awareness among festival-goers and exhibitors about waste recovery (sorting, recycling, and composting). Our goal is to reach a 50% waste recovery rate.

Eliminating single-use containers
We have completely eliminated disposable containers (e.g., plastic water bottles and cups) in the festival’s bars and food concessions. These have been replaced by reusable containers (Ecocups). We also ask our exhibitors to apply this approach at their stands.

Promoting sustainable mobility
We strongly encourage our festival-goers and exhibitors to optimize their travel by favoring carpooling, public transit, and non-polluting modes of transport (cycling, walking, etc.).

Economy

Highlighting local production
Local purchasing has been part of La Virée Trad’s DNA since 2001. Every year, we bring together about 55 producers and artisans from Gaspésie in our public market. The public market showcases our living heritage, which is essential for building a strong identity and sense of belonging, driving sustainable development.

Commitment to local purchasing
The vast majority of our suppliers are from Gaspésie, and over 70% of them are located within 100 km of Carleton-sur-Mer. Food options on the festival site are provided by businesses from the Baie des Chaleurs that also prioritize local and organic products.

Inter-organizational cooperation
We collaborate with several local organizations for certain aspects of the programming (Gaspésie Gourmande, Centre d’artistes Vaste et Vague, Écomusée Tracadièche, Microbrasserie Le Naufrageur, Gaspésie Convention Centre) and to achieve our sustainable development goals.

The economic benefits
of the festival are estimated at over $700,000 for the community, with an off-season event that helps extend the tourist season.