Sustainival, the world’s first green carnival, is making its official debut at the Edmonton International Fringe Theatre Festival.

Founder Joey Hundert wants Sustainival to be the Cirque de Soleil of sustainability with a goal of inspiring 100 million people in the next 10 years.

Over the 11 days of the Fringe Festival it will take 1,600 litres of oil to power the rides.

“We’re excited to be rockin’ it in our hometown,” Hundert said.

Powered by vegetable oil, 10 classic rides will bring sustainability to a new light from noon to midnight each day.

Old favourites include the Berry-go-round, tilt-a-whirl and the Gravitron.

Vendors at the Fringe only discard approximately 16 litres of oil per day per venue, not nearly enough for the rides. So they turned to the mustard industry.

Olds College takes in mustard seed oil that would otherwise be discarded and renders the waste into biodiesel.

Prizes for midway games are also eco-friendly. Games such as shoot out the star and ring toss can earn festival-goers prizes that are recycled, eco-friendly goods or that encourage outdoor activity.

There are carbon-fibre hockey and lacrosse sticks, camping gear, yoga mats, organic cotton underwear, socks, shirts and recycled wooden wrist watches all up for grabs.

“We’re working with local providers,” he said.

Hundert got particularly excited about the toxin-free, bamboo matchbox cars.

“They’re so cool I want the whole collection, so I’ll probably be stealing them from children,” he joked.

A DJ tent with 43 local legends will be powered by vegetable oil during the 10-day run from 6 p.m. to midnight.

Not all oil is created equal. For example, waste vegetable oil may not work well when animal fat is mixed in.

“It can thicken at warmer temperatures which we don’t want,” he said.

http://www.edmontonsun.com/2011/08/11/green-carnival-makes-debut-at-fringe