Let's Reduce Carbon Emissions... Cannes Film Festival Bans Beef from Menu

The organizers of the 77th Cannes Film Festival have decided to remove beef from the meal menu to reduce the festival's carbon emissions.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

According to the Cannes Film Festival website on the 20th (local time), the organizers will not serve beef, which emits a large amount of greenhouse gases during production, at receptions or parties attended by famous actors and directors. Instead, they plan to increase vegetarian menu options.

The organizers cited research showing that beef production emits 4.5 times more greenhouse gases than chicken production, explaining that "banning beef is an effective and acceptable way to reduce the carbon footprint of food."

Additionally, to create an eco-friendly film festival, the organizers designated electric vehicles as the official vehicles for the event. They also reduced the size of the red carpet compared to previous years and extended its replacement cycle.

Instead of distributing plastic water bottles, drinking fountains have been installed throughout the venue. The proportion of locally produced souvenirs has increased compared to overseas production, with 47% of currently sold souvenirs being French-made and 67% European-made.

Since 2019, the Cannes Film Festival has been calculating its carbon footprint annually and strengthening its environmental policies. As a result, carbon dioxide emissions decreased by 700 tons, from a total of 49,000 tons in 2019 to 48,300 tons last year.

However, the British daily The Telegraph pointed out that famous actors still arrive by private jets, and yachts belonging to wealthy attendees fill the Cannes coastline as they enjoy the festival.

In 2022, American actor Tom Cruise was criticized by environmentalist politicians for attending the red carpet event by helicopter.