The world’s best city for college students, Prague, is obviously a great place for music as well. Wherever you find youth raging to the beat of campus life, there is usually parties and booze in in circulation on a daily basis. The Czech Republic is tired however of the level of litter being produced by the lively sector of society and pushing to clean it up. The Czech Republic’s capital is now testing a law to correct the trash problem, outlawing plastic cups at Rap & Pop music festivals.
“I want to find in my responsibility all the possibilities for Prague to behave in a more environmentally friendly manner. Reducing disposable plastics is the most effective means of fighting for cleaner nature and oceans. I hope that Prague will not remain alone and inspire other organizers and operators,” Třeštíková said on the City Hall website.
The ban on plastics will include more than just cups. No food or beverage can be sold with or in disposable plastics. It also includes a ban on plastic cutlery such as forks, spoons, and knives.
More than 2 genres…
The new law being pushed is not a negative thing for Prague tourism and local events. It’s actually an effort that will benefit everyone. The banning of plastic wares at music festivals is possibly something the world should follow. With an astounding level of plastics found in the oceans lately, to the point its effecting basic seafoods everyone enjoys, this could be an idea to save the world.
While rap and pop music festivals are highlighted by blogs, this law will affect all genres. However, the most popular music genres are likely to be the most discussed by fans and also they ‘keywords’ to help push the ‘green’ idea.
Beyond music, other artistic events will also have to adhere to the new law. No one can use plastics whether it be painting, acting, or dance related.
The alternative solution
The replacement for plastic cups and wares at Prague music festivals has great intent but some question foresights. According to Prague.TV, city officials are directing event organizers to use washable resources. Glassware, porcelain, metal, or wooden items can be used in place of plastics.
The problem with such solutions are painfully obvious however. With the level of intoxication being high at such events, some are concerned with the concept of people having such items at their disposal. Glassware and metals can particularly be dangerous if thrown or projected. For event organizers this could pose new security risks.
Education
The movement against plastics at art festivals is the Czech Republic’s continued stride to educate its youth on the importance of protecting the environment. Prague’s city officials also launched a student competition to find ways to reduce plastic usages in modern society. The winner of the contest will get a Kč 10,000 ( $500USD) prize.
Scientists and marine biologists have both concurred the amount of plastics contaminating the world’s ocean are soon to have a toxic effect on freshwater sources. As disposable plastic dishes are among the top 10 plastic products found in the sea, even the plastic threads found on hang tags are showing up in the intestines of shrimp and other tiny marine life. Larger animals have shown worse effects. Whales have been found with hundreds of pounds in their stomachs [ read here ].
The new laws for the Czech republic’s capital city will be added to event contracts beginning May 1, 2019. This will be one of, if not the first European country to ban plastic wares since the EU’s decision to outlaw such goods by 2021.
Rappers who have toured Prague in the past include Wiz Khalifa, Tyga, Drake, Snoop Dogg, Nicki MInaj, Jay-Z, Beyonce, and more. Deceased rapper XXTentacion had a huge following in the Czech Republic before his untimely passing.
A cool Hip-Hop fact for those who like trivia, Jay-Z rap video “No Church in the Wild,” was filmed in prague. See a video of the behind the scenes below.
