Early in the Spring semester of this year I was on the path to search for an internship to which I could start gaining real experience in my field. After looking far and wide to find an internship for this summer, I found the role on the popular job board “Indeed”. I remember being extremely excited to be a part of something larger than myself and working diligently to improve our planet. This summer, I had the privilege of being part of that team as a Zero Waste Coordinator at Live Nation’s Coastal Credit Union Music Park.

A New Kind of Stage

Live Nation is known for hosting some of the biggest names in music, but what many might not realize is their commitment to sustainability. As a Zero Waste Coordinator, I worked in a division focused on minimizing waste at one of their venues. Our mission was to sort waste during concerts into three categories, mixed recycling, compost, and landfill for items that couldn’t be diverted. It is a challenging yet fulfilling role that allowed me to dive deep into what packaging materials are made of, and how to properly dispose of them. This role dove into general sustainability and focused on how we can reduce our landfill impact which has multiple negative effects on our planet. We focused on composting which reduces the concentration of Greenhouse gases that are accumulated/produced in one area. This compost is upcycled food waste and some package containers which could be used to help plants thrive. This is just one of many examples of sustainability in action.

The Front Lines of Waste Management

Every concert night was an adventure. Armed with gloves and a determination to make a difference, my team and I tackled the heaps of waste generated by enthusiastic concert goers. It could get very messy as we sorted through half-eaten food, beverage containers, and all sorts of debris, but we embraced the chaos. With music pumping in the background, we transformed into a well oiled machine, sorting waste long after everyone leaves the venue. One of the highlights of my internship was witnessing the shift towards more sustainable materials. This season the venue transitioned to compostable PLA-based plastics, which made our sorting job more impactful. It was rewarding to know that our efforts were contributing to a larger goal of reducing total waste and decreasing the company’s carbon footprint.

Learning and Growing

While the sorting process could be intimidating, the experience ignited a passion for material science within me. I found myself increasingly interested in the development of compostable food containers and bioplastics. The idea of working with a company dedicated to creating sustainable products that close the waste loop became a new career aspiration.

Throughout my internship, I was fortunate to have an incredible supervisor who was not only knowledgeable but also supportive. She encouraged my questions and provided valuable insights into the sustainability field. This mentorship helped me understand that sustainability is not just a trend but a necessary shift in how we approach consumption and waste management.

The Power of Teamwork

One lesson that stood out during my time at Live Nation was the importance of teamwork. Each member of our crew brought unique strengths to the table, and together we achieved impressive waste diversion numbers. It was a testament to what can be accomplished when people work collaboratively towards a common goal.

Learning that asking for help is not a sign of weakness but rather a crucial part of the process. In this field, knowledge sharing is essential, and I was fortunate to connect with several professionals in the zero waste community. These connections have proven to be valuable for my career advancement and have opened doors to new opportunities.

A Sustainable Future

As my internship came to an end, I reflected on the impact of our work. It was gratifying to see that sustainability doesn’t have to be a burden but rather, small changes can lead to significant outcomes. Live Nation’s sustainability department is a prime example of how organizations can innovate and create a positive impact while providing unforgettable experiences for their patrons. As I look toward the future, this internship was a wonderful opportunity to affirm that sustainability is a job path I want to pursue more specifically bioplastic manufacturing. I would feel rewarded knowing I am making a difference in the transition from environmentally harmful petroleum based plastics to biodegradable alternatives. This transition is a movement that I learned that I want to be a part of to ensure that we reduce our global pollution levels and carbon emissions to further help the planet.