Arthur Wilson
We like to think of attending an outdoor festival as a 'green' thing to do. But in the UK, festivals produce nearly 26,000 tonnes of waste each year, and each festival goer nearly twice as much waste per day as they would at home! So what can event organisers do to fix it?
Establish clearly marked recycling stations throughout the festival grounds to make it easy for attendees to recycle. Providing separate bins for different types of waste (e.g., plastics, paper, food) can significantly increase recycling rates.
Discourage single-use plastics by promoting the use of reusable cups, plates, and cutlery. Offering incentives for attendees who bring their own reusable items can further encourage this practice.
Partner with event waste management companies that commit zero to landfill, significantly reducing the environmental impact of a festival. Such providers ensure that waste is either recycled, composted, or converted to energy, rather than ending up in the ground.
Introduce composting facilities to manage food waste effectively. Working with vendors to reduce food waste through better planning and donation of unsold food to local charities can also contribute to sustainability efforts.
Utilise renewable energy sources such as solar panels or biodiesel generators to power the event. Reducing energy consumption through LED lighting and energy-efficient equipment can also diminish the festival's carbon footprint.
Implement water-saving measures such as low-flow faucets and encourage the use of refillable water bottles by providing water refill stations throughout the festival site.
Encourage attendees to use public transportation, carpooling, or even biking to the festival. Offering shuttle services from major transportation hubs can reduce the number of vehicles on the road, thereby lowering emissions.
Offer merchandise that is made from sustainable materials and produced in an ethically responsible manner. This could include apparel made from organic cotton or recycled materials.
Host workshops and information booths to educate attendees about sustainability, waste reduction, and the environmental impact of festivals. Engaging attendees in this way can foster a community of environmentally conscious individuals.
Choose vendors and sponsors who share a commitment to sustainability. This could include food vendors that use locally sourced ingredients or sponsors that promote eco-friendly products and practices.
