How to Go Green at Festivals: Simple Steps for Sustainable Summer Festivals

The festival season is coming, and while the music, vibes, and connection are what we all love, it’s also a chance to make a positive impact on the planet. A Greener Future (AGF), the non-profit leading the charge for sustainability in the live events world, has shared some top tips for festival-goers to make this summer a little kinder to the environment.

Claire O’Neill, festival sustainability expert and co-founder of AGF, explains:

“Festivals are all about fun, community, and connection, and they can be even greater when we use them as a catalyst for the green transition we need to see in the world.”

Here’s how you can play your part while still living your best festival life:

1. Travel Smarter

Getting to the festival is often the biggest source of emissions, but there are plenty of ways to reduce your impact:

• Public transport: Ditch the car and hop on a train or coach. Many festivals even run shuttle buses to make it easy.
• Carpooling: If you must drive, fill every seat. Apps like Liftshare and GoCarShare can help connect you with fellow festival-goers heading your way.
• Cycle your way there: Some festivals organise group bike rides—check their website or social media. It’s eco-friendly, a great workout, and a chance to meet new friends.

Fun fact: The 2024 AGF report showed a drop in festival-goers traveling by car from 67% to 58%, with public transport use rising from 16% to 19%. Let’s keep that trend going!

 2. Rethink Food Choices

Food is the second-largest source of emissions at festivals. Here’s how to make your meals matter:

• Go plant-based: Festivals that ditch meat have slashed food-related emissions by over 60%. Plus, plant-based options are tasty and often better for your body too.
• Avoid food waste: Only pack what you’ll actually eat, and take leftovers home or donate them.

Small changes can make a big difference, and as AGF puts it, reducing animal agriculture is one of the fastest ways to combat climate change.

 3. Take Your Tent Home

It’s shocking how many tents are abandoned after festivals. But camping gear is for life, not just for one weekend!

• Love Your Tent: Campaigns like #TakeYourTentHome have made strides in raising awareness, but there’s still work to do.
• Try pre-pitched camping: If lugging gear isn’t your thing, many festivals now offer eco-friendly glamping options.
• Go second-hand: A pre-loved bell tent shared with friends is both sustainable and stylish.

 4. Say No to Single-Use Plastics

Plastic waste is a huge problem, but it’s one we can tackle together:

• Bring a refillable water bottle: Festivals always have free water stations, so save your money and the planet.
• Reusable cups and cutlery: Perfect for sipping coffee or munching on some plant-based delights.
• Eco-friendly toiletries: Ditch disposables for refillable containers and chemical-free products.

The 2024 AGF report revealed big improvements, with 75% of festivals banning single-use plastic serve ware—up from 54% in 2022. Let’s aim for 100%!

 5. Get Political

Personal changes are important, but systemic action is crucial too. Campaigns like #CrashTheParty (UK), #WeVoteEurope (EU), and #RockTheVote (US) encourage festival-goers to register to vote and push for governments that prioritise green policies.
As Claire O’Neill says, this year’s elections could be a turning point for our planet.

 6. Embrace the Little Things

The devil’s in the details:

• Swap wet wipes for paper towels: Wet wipes aren’t biodegradable, but paper towels are.
• Opt for second-hand fashion: Hit the dancefloor in vintage finds instead of fast fashion.
• Biodegradable glitter: Because saving the planet doesn’t mean sacrificing sparkle!

Your Summer of Sustainable Fun

By making a few simple changes, we can all enjoy an incredible festival season while reducing our impact on the planet. From cutting food waste to ditching plastics and biking our way to the fields, it’s time to turn up, tune in, and green out.

So, grab your refillable bottle, your plant-based snacks, and your second-hand festival chic—and let’s make this the most eco-friendly summer yet. 🌱