SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE - This year Folk on the Rocks fans will continue to be kind to their surroundings while enjoying the weekend's events.

"We are doing many things to help people keep the festival green," said Nancy McNeil from the Folk on the Rocks office.

Festival-goers this Saturday and Sunday are again encouraged to use the environmentally friendly options provided.

Buses will run to the site, and those with bikes are encouraged to pedal to the events. Plates can be rented for a $2 deposit, and water tanks will be available to refill bottles.

Composting will be encouraged, recycling bins will take on recyclables, and plenty of garbage cans will be on site. Programs printed on recycled paper will also be available.

Ecology North will again help maintain the recycling facilities.

"Unofficially Ecology North has been helping with greening Folk on the Rocks for years. In 2006 it became formal with the incorporation of a greening policy offered by Ecology North," said Tracy Breitbach, a long-time director, who is currently on maternity leave.

"We really encourage people to take the bus or ride their bike to the event. We have expanded the parking area for bicycles," said Doug Ritchie, programs director for Ecology North.

"We are also trying composting again. People are encouraged to separate their waste into garbage cans and composting bins," said Ritchie.

A cleaning crew will come out on Sunday morning to remove the garbage and maintain the site.

"We want people to come to the festival with very little so they can leave a smaller ecological footprint," said McNeil.

A plate washing station will be set up to take care of the dishes and more plates will be available.

"We're increasing the number of plates available to 225. We are also hoping to expand the plate washing service," said Ritchie.