With one of the world’s biggest festivals now over and done with for another year, it’s time to reflect on Glastonbury. For many who aim to be zero waste, or even reduce their plastic consumption, the news that the festival was requiring all attendee’s to sign a “Green Pledge” that meant ticket holders promised to make a greater effort to ‘leave no trace’ was a fantastic step in the right direction. In 2017, over one million plastic bottles were sold at the festival. This year, that number was zero! Incredible! However, todays papers are filled with articles and accompanying images of the aftermath of the festival. Fields are strewn with plastic bottles, used cans, and non-recyclable litter. Regardless of David Attenborough’s iconic and surprise appearance on the Pyramid stage, the impact of the Green Pledge at first glance appears to have been ineffective. Or has it?
Image courtesy of BBC
Although not the images we hoped to see, this year’s festival has been a landmark. Organizations are taking note, but most importantly, they are taking steps to make a change and many others are following suit. The festival season is far from over, and hopefully those attending others over the summer will put some thought into how they pack to reduce the waste they take and leave behind. To support your efforts, we’ve put together a few helpful tips for you festival faring folks that we think will make it slightly easier to make those essential swaps.
1 – Take refillable bottles and cups. Whether you’re drinking water or alcohol, a refillable bottle or cup is the perfect way to enjoy your beverage without leaving any waste behind.
2– Reusable straws, Now everyone loves a good straw, so grab a reusable one to take with you, like our collapsible metal straw with travel case.
3 – Reusable cutlery / bamboo spork. Grab yourself some reusable cutlery that can be easily stored in a purse or bag to use at any of your favourite food wagons! Single-use cutlery is usually not recyclable.
4 – Pre-made wipes. Cotton or bamboo face cloths are perfect for handy wipes. Simply dampen 5-10 cloths in some soapy water and store away in an airtight container, ready for use when you need them most. Once used, they can simply be washed and used again and again.
5 – Don’t forget your tote bag! Keeping a small, foldable tote bag in your pocket or in a smaller shoulder bag is always a good idea. You never know when you might need some extra bag space, whether it’s to hold a purchase or store away your raincoat once the showers have passed.
What are your low waste festival essentials?
Amy Gladding
Is a contributor for Zero Waste Club. She is a marketing professional with a passion for veganism and sustainability. Amy’s love of animals and the ocean drove her to live a vegan lifestyle, whilst exploring ways of living as zero waste as possible. You can find her on Instagram as @amy_gladding