How To Have A More Sustainable Festival Season
Are you planning to visit some festivals this summer? We’re lucky in the UK to have countless choices, but what a lot of festivals have in common is the amount of waste they generate. In fact, UK festivals cause around 26,000 tonnes of waste each year, with most of that going to landfills.
So, if you’re wondering how to have a good time while also having a lower impact on the environment, we’ve put together some simple tips for planning a more sustainable festival.
Say goodbye to single-use
One of the easiest and most effective things you can do is try to cut out as many single-use plastics as you can. Pack reusable bottles for your water and drinks, and take reusable plates and cutlery. You can also take a little bit of washing-up liquid and a tea towel to get everything clean and ready to use again the next day.
Wet wipes can be a lifesaver when you’re at a festival, but most contain plastics that can’t be recycled. Biodegradable wipes can be a more sustainable option, or you can also avoid all of them and pack a washcloth, reusable make-up wipes, and soap instead.
Recycle
Sometimes, single-use items are avoidable at festivals, so you should always try to recycle everything where you can. In recent years, more festivals have made it easier for visitors to recycle properly with dedicated bins and areas. So, when you arrive at the festival, it’s a good idea to scope out where the recycling bins are so you know where to take the rubbish.
Rethink your outfit
Great fashion can go hand in hand with festivals, from the outlandish to the extra sparkly—the kind of statement items that aren’t part of everyday wardrobes. Unfortunately, this can contribute to the previously mentioned tonnes of waste, with many outfits being bought and worn just for a day and then thrown in the bin.
Renting attention-grabbing outfits has become much more popular in recent years and can be a great way to get that festival look without having to find more space in your wardrobe. You could also ask friends and family if they have any spare items you could borrow for the weekend, or you could buy second-hand. If you must buy new, try to resist impractical one-off garments and, instead, look for items you can mix into new styles for different events.
Topping off your outfit with glittery make-up and jewels might not be your thing, but they’re often seen as festival fashion staples. These are, however, usually made from plastic that ends up in landfills or even sometimes in rivers and seas where it can harm wildlife. We’d recommend ditching the glitter altogether or making sure that what you’re using is biodegradable.
Umbrellas
Now that you’ve got your carefully crafted outfit, it’s time to give it some protection from the inevitable elements of a typical British summer.
Our sturdy sports umbrellas are built to keep you nice and dry should your festival weekend end up a soggy one – or provide a wonderful bit of shade if
it’s a scorcher. They’re perfect to have on hand while you’re wandering around the festival grounds or getting a bite to eat. And when the festival is over, you can keep it for all your other events or holidays.
Don’t abandon your tent
Tents are one of the biggest culprits when it comes to the waste that’s left behind at festivals. It’s estimated that every year in the UK, 250,000 tents are left behind at festivals. While some of these can be collected and donated to charity, most end up in a landfill, so it’s really important to spend the extra few minutes taking down your tent and packing it away.
If you’re buying a tent as a one-off and don’t think you’ll use it again, why not rent one for your festival trip instead?
Transport
Up to 80% of festival carbon emissions come from transport, according to one study. So, when you’re planning your transport to and from the festival, you should always check if you can get there using public transport. Many festival organisers have shuttles or coaches to help take you to and from the grounds – and it beats getting stuck in a long queue for the car park. If you do need a car, why not try going together with friends?
Follow these tips, and you’ll be well on your way to becoming an eco-friendlier festival-goer. You can also have an amazing weekend away while doing your bit for the planet! Check out our range of sports umbrellas to help you survive the British summer, or keep reading our blog for other lifestyle, fashion and travel tips.