Could partying and the planet go hand-in-hand?

Festivals in the UK produce up to 23.500 tonnes of garbage per year.

In 2023, Bristol saw how organisations pushed for more ambitious environmental and sustainability goals, this was the case with Boomtown Fair, which signed a ‘green geal’ and committed to being net zero by 2025 while eliminating single-use plastic bottles and using sustainable materials to build their main stage.

But the weight of change lies both in organisations and attendees, for the first to provide options and an environment that makes space for better decision-making, and for the latter, to opt and choose better.

Claire Jacob, communications and partnership manager at Bristol Green Capital Partnership highlighted the importance of this two-way approach.

“There are loads of ways festivals can reduce their impact on the environment, including through the suppliers they use and products they buy, how they reduce and manage waste, incentivising and promoting sustainable travel options, and using energy efficiently,” said Jacob.

“People are increasingly expecting to see events taking sustainability seriously, and if anyone is going to lead the way with greener festivals, I’m sure it will be Bristol.”

 

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A post shared by Love Saves The Day (@lovesavesthedayfestival)

Here are some practical ways for festival-goers to have an enjoyable experience while thinking about their carbon footprint:

1) Reduce the amount of waste you’re producing. That can be achieved by simply carrying a reusable coffee cup or water bottle, as well as food containers.

Events like the Bristol Harbour Festival have ensured the recycling of the waste that’s produced.

Ben Hardy, event director, said: “We advise members of the public to avoid any single-use plastic and to use our recycling bins on-site. To protect Bristol’s beautiful streets, waterways and squares, we ask the public to take home as much as they can.”

2) Consider alternative ways of travelling, when possible. Festivals might offer free shuttle buses so make sure to check their website.

Emissions from road transport make up around a fifth of the UK’s total emissions according to the Office of National Statistics, so before considering using your car, think about trains or bus routes that might be available to get to your destination.

3)  Be mindful of your clothing choices. Music festivals present us with the opportunity to be creative and colourful, and this might make us buy from fast fashion brands or make impulsive purchases that we’re never going to wear again.

You might consider repurposing pre-owned items or buying from second-hand clothing shops.

Bristol Harbour Festival advises against single-use plastics. photo: Paul Box

One of the most prominent festivals in Bristol, Love Saves The Day, has been also taking the lead in sustainability matters.

Pauline Bourdon, sustainability and social cohesion coordinator at Love Saves the Day, highlighted the policies they’ve implemented and how it impacts attendees’ choices.

“We want partying and caring for the planet to go hand-in-hand,” Bourdon said. “We make sure attendees have up-to-date information on low-emission transport options – we have a carbon-balanced Love Bus that runs from Temple Meads and we provide walking and cycling routes as well as a bike lock park on site.

“We’ve also banned single-use plastic and attendees are encouraged to bring their own reusable water bottles and to choose sustainable fashion – second-hand, local designers, or handmade,” she explained.

Main photo: Mike Massaro

Read next:

• Ashton Gate to introduce ‘self-destructing’ plastic cups
• Local talent to be put at forefront of Bristol Harbour Festival 2023
• Bristol’s festival highlights of 2023

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