How are festivals being more sustainable in 2024?

Despite the muddy fields, open spaces, and fresh air, the festival scene is not typically known for its commitment to environmental sustainability. In recent years, news coverage has highlighted the damaging effects festivals have on the glorious countryside. Whether driven by moral panic or genuine concern, the eco movement is real and has had a positive impact on the festival scene. While we cannot claim that festivals have become a modern-day sixties hippy commune, progress is progress. In this blog, we want to highlight some of the positive changes in the 'new' festival scene (and no, I'm not talking about the price increase). 

Research conducted by CGA by NIQ Festival Report 2023 found that festivalgoers care more about the environmental, social and sustainability impact of festivals than they did last year. There was a consensus that festivalgoers expect all festivals to tackle environmental issues like wastage. 26% of festival goers expect a reduction of single use plastics and festivals to promote sustainability initiatives. 

Festival Waste and Diversion (FWRD)

FWRD is a dynamic group dedicated to transforming the way festivals manage waste through engagement, motivation, and kindness. Partnering with production companies, they ensure that usable materials are salvaged rather than sent to landfills or incinerators. FWRD also works tirelessly to educate festival attendees about the importance of keeping campsites and arenas clean, turning litter-picking into a fun and rewarding activity with games and prizes. At Boomtown festival, they even set up a free shop where festivalgoers can pay a £10 deposit to borrow items like blow-up beds, sleeping bags, and chairs, returning them at the end of the festival. This modern approach not only reduces waste but also enhances the festival experience for everyone. That is if the items do not get damaged before they are returned!

No Tent Left Behind 

To tackle the problem of abandoned tents at festivals, Decathlon has launched an innovative initiative. They now offer customers gift cards equal to the value of their tent purchase if they return it after the festival. This incentive not only helps festivalgoers get most out of their money but also significantly reduces festival tent waste. Returned tents are refurbished, cleaned, and resold through Decathlon's Second Life program. With ten tents available in this offer, it is a win-win for both the environment and shoppers looking to make a positive impact.

Energy usage at UK festivals 

99% of the energy at festivals is linked to carbon output, the industry uses over 12 million litres of diesel annually. This is a significantly high carbon emissions especially as power generation alone can account for up to 70% of an events carbon footprint (excluding audience and travel). As a result, many festivals are adopting more sustainable energy solutions including solar and wind power. 

Take Glastonbury, in 2023 the festival declared that its energy sources were 100% fossil fuel-free. Octopus Energy returned to Glastonbury festival in 2024 with a pink and purple portable turbine, ‘Gusty Spinfield’, which powered food and drink vendors. Gusty produced 300kWh per day which is enough power up to 300 refrigerators! All the generators across the festival are operated on renewable HVO fuel, reducing lifecycle CO2e emissions by 90%.

Kendal Calling

Kendal Calling is just around the corner. The four-day festival starts on the 1st of August with an impressive lineup that includes Paul Heaton, Sugababes and Paolo Nutini. In preparation the Kendal team sent an email to ticket holders outlining the amazing progress they have made towards being a more sustainable festival: 

• Eliminated 45,000 Kilos of Co2 with their reuseable cup scheme. 
• No waste goes to landfill. 
• Number of tents taken home is 98.07%.

This year the festival is aiming for 100% of tents to be taken home. Kendal is also taking further steps to create a more sustainable environment in the campsites by using bio-degradable bin bags, having a bigger impact team and more waste points. Over in the food and drink section all the food traders are provided with recycling and food waste bins. Every food trader will be advised to cater children meals to reduce waste, serve at least one veggie or vegan meal (which contribute 2.5x less carbon emissions than meat) and the all the traders crockery are compostable. 

Even every member of staff including artists are asked to sign the following eco-pledge. This is a great way to feel connected to your favourite artist while saving the planet!

Leave Nothing but Memories: Leave your camp tidy and take your tent home!

Protect The Wildlife: Throw your rubbish in the bin

Consider Your Travel: Use public transport where possible!

Only Bring What You Need: Use resources consciously

Make Eco Conscious Choices: Keep your green impact in mind when at the festival

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