Paula has worked in live events for over 25 years. Starting in sound and lighting she now combines her technical and logistical knowledge as a production manager. Her history in activism and social justice led to aligning the two paths and moving into sustainable production management.She produces her own light artwork and lighting festival GLOW which has sustainability at its heart. She is sustainability advisor for Super Culture, Diverse City and Without Walls. Read the answers to our monthly Green Leader Q&A here:
1 What is the proudest sustainability achievement or moment of your career?
Producing my light festival from all mains supply.
2 What was your worst ever sustainability-related decision, project or initiative and why?
Being so proud of our off-grid PA and lights we let a whole cabaret use it first and it was flat for our show.
3 What are you excited about implementing this year?
Adding a green clause into our festival contracts.
4 Which environmental issue do you most care about?
Improving transport.
5 What sustainable change have you made in your personal life that you are most proud of?
Living and working in the same place so it’s just natural to cycle.
6 What do you read, listen to or watch to stay in touch with green issues?
Dale Vince’s The Zerocarbonista Podcast.
7 What is the most memorable live performance in your life?
Nick Mulvey at Extinction Rebellion, London, 2019.
8 Was there a moment you committed to taking action on climate change?
When they tried to clear my local woods as a child for a motorway.
9 What is most important issue to tackle at your events?
People feeling responsible for their actions.
10 What do you think is the most significant challenge for the events industry becoming more sustainable?
Fighting convenience.
11 Can you share something sustainable about/from another artists or event or company that inspired you to make a change?
Not supplying plates or cutlery for crew catering.
12 What is the secret to your sustainable success?
I don’t always feel that successful but I do feel held to account by my team.
13 Tell us something you feel positive about right now that relates to the environment.
The dedication of Glastonbury festival to compost loos, no plastic bottles and recycling. If they can do it, it’s something we can all aspire to.
14 Tell us a book, film or recent article you feel others should watch/read and why about positive change?
“How we change” by Ross Ellenhorn. Change is what we need!
15 Can you give people new to sustainability in event a top tip?
You’ll never get it right, just start.
16 What is the favourite festival moment of your career?
Not running out of battery power for the Magic Numbers!
17 What habit or practice has helped you most in your personal journey in life?
Taking bikes on trains.
18 Is there anything new or exciting you are planning or changing for the future that you can tell us about? Even a hint!
Allowing myself more time in nature and space to develop what comes next.
19 Will we save the world?
Yes, if we work together.
20 What would your sustainable super-power be?
Time travel.
Find out more about Super Culture: https://superculture.org.uk/
Twitter: @SuperCultureWsM
LinkedIn: Super Culture
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This Q&A originally appeared in our July 2024 Vision: 2025 newsletter. Sign up to receive monthly event sustainability news, case studies and guest blogs direct to your inbox.