Simple Swaps for Greener Music Festivals
Music festivals are a real institution in England, from the main ones (Glastonbury) to long-running folk festivals (Cambridge) to smaller and more local acoustic concerts in people’s homes and gardens.
One nice alternative to big music festivals is to hire unplugged acoustic bands, a nice alternative to tinny loud music. This also supports local indie musicians, and prevents noise pollution and booming bass sounds in the local neighbourhood.
Music for London has more information. Acoustic concerts have no power supply, the host simply offers food and drink, and the players are paid from the donations or payment given. Bands are usually 2 to 5 people and prices are consistent with hiring a professional band.
Glastonbury (not just a music festival!)
Glastonbury is actually held near the village of Pilton, whose population swells from 1000 to 200,000 each summer. The locals don’t mind that much, as the festival-goers are a pretty peaceful lot, and obviously bring in income for the pubs!
The festival does generate huge amounts of litter. But it has things in order, with chosen litter pickers (who get their own campsite with flushing toilets and meal vouchers) going into action when the festival ends.
Leaving the place pristine within a few days. Unusual items found include:
- A grandfather clock
- A bra with poo in it
- A wig that someone had vomited in
- People sleeping under piles of clothes!
Simple Swaps for Greener Music Festivals
- Take the train or share lifts. Most festivals offer shuttle buses.
- Bring a refillable water bottle (most festivals offer water stations).
- Invest in personal ashtrays and cigarette bins.
- Avoid glitter (even ‘biodegradable ones’ contain microplastics).
- Stick to marked paths and camp in approved areas.
- Power your festival with Ecotricity (does not burn abattoir waste).
- Install modern composting toilets (and air-flush urinals)
Envirotent (water-resistant cardboard!)
Envirotent makes sturdy cardboard tents that are warmer, sturdier and darker than nylon (plastic) tents. And a lot easier to put up, without the bother of tent pegs! They are insulated and water-resistant (not totally waterproof). And are easy to dismantle and recycle, at end of use.
Obviously don’t smoke in or near it (that goes for any kind of tent). Any cooking should take place at least 2 metres away from the tent.
These tents are not the same as cardboard boxes. They are made from a high-performance board that has fewer surface holes, enhancing water resistance.
So they can brave heavy rainfall (and survive up to 4 weeks outside in winter) without need for coatings. A great ideal also for rough sleepers, to keep warm and dry.
This company does not ‘sell tents’ to the public, but rather sells them to sites for music festivals, then collects and recycles them at end of the event, to stop the 1 in 4 plastic tents being left and littered. Campers are welcome to take their tents home, but they are not easy to transport due to their size.
Wild camping without permission, is actually illegal in England. So councils need to clamp down.
Tent Litter and Waste in England
Around 250,000 tents are abandoned each year in the UK, creating around 900 tonnes of plastic waste (around 70% of people only use a tent once, when bought). Made mostly from polyester or nylon, most end up on landfills or are incinerated.
On mainland Europe, there are many places where people can rent a tent, but as yet, they have not taken off here. You can drop off unwanted camping gear at some outdoor shops for recycling, so ask beforehand (or ask your council, if not).
Gomi Music Speakers (made from plastic bags!)
This GOMI speaker is not just stunning to look at, but the unique colours are due to being made from recycled plastic bags. Sold with a lifetime repair guarantee, it’s handmade in Brighton (with 32 hours of battery life to boot) and compatible with Bluetooth and AUX.
The USB-C fast charges from 0 to 100% in just 2 hours, and you can pair two for full stereo sound. This product generates half the carbon dioxide emissions of comparable speakers. Also good for pubs and discos.
Minirig Portable Speakers offer 30 hour or 80 hour battery life, with an easy repair service. The perfect portable speaker for festivals.
Music Headphones (from recycled plastic bottles)
AIAIAI Headphones are sold with a 4-year warranty, and again easy to repair. Trusted by musicians and technicians worldwide, the hard-shell carry case keeps them safe from scratches.
The lightweight Bluetooth headphones (above) offer critically-acclaimed sound and feature soft ear cushions that are made from recycled materials (including plastic bottles).
Repairable Modular Headphones (for DJs!)
Fairphone (a company that makes repairable smartphones) also makes modular headphones, that are easy to repair, made from recycled plastic and aluminium, by people paid a living wage.
And for each pair bought, the company recycles the same amount of electronic waste, meaning they are e-waste neutral. You can also replace the headband and ear cushion, so if the sound is only come out of one ear, you don’t have to buy a new pair.
