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You are here: Backpacker Resources > Travel Tips > Greener Festival

Greener Festival

There’s nothing like the buzz you get from seeing your favourite band live. Once those amps hum to life, your attention is focused on the stage and not on the calculation of your carbon footprint. Also considering how much you’ve forked out for tickets, that’s how it should be! If however you’re worried about the carbon cost of your festival fetish, fear not. This month we not only have a few tips to ensure your summer festival experience stays a healthy shade of green, but also we look at what organisers are doing to cut carbon footprints and minimise their impact on the environment.

What You Can Do - A Festival Guide

For most people, just getting to the venue is a struggle so let’s start with transport. Flights generally sell out first, and while this sounds like a bummer, it gives you the chance to utilise alternatives like ferries, buses and coaches. If your destination is via the European continent, consider car sharing with friends and book a space on the Eurotunnel. Admittedly these alternatives aren’t the fastest options but that’s not a bad thing because taking it slow gives you the chance to do a bit of sightseeing on the side.

Next up we have what to pack. The answer is of course as little as possible. Also if you’re looking at it from an ethical standpoint – which we are – less stuff may mean a smaller carbon footprint. For some people going to a festival is pretty much the same as going to a fashion show but don’t be tempted to buy a trendy new wardrobe from a really cheap shop. Those clothes will probably fall apart after the first wear and you’ll most likely have to bin them sooner rather than later. If you want something newish, buy from your local charity shop. Hygiene-wise go easy on the water supply and skip your daily shower – it’s gross but green. Keep tidy with baby wipes and dry shampoo. Also when the party is over don’t leave your stuff behind. You might be tired and hung over, but to quote Glastonbury’s latest campaign: “Love the Farm. Leave no Trace.” Take everything with you – especially your tent!

Organiser Strategies

As for concert and festival organisers, they too are taking steps to minimise the impact that festivals have on the environment. According to a recent UK article in the Guardian newspaper, some big names have pledged to cut their carbon emissions during 2010 and they’re acting on that pledge too. For example the upcoming Bestival (September 9-12, 2010), Reading (August 27-29, 2010) and Latitude (July 15-18, 2010) are concentrating on minimising waste, recycling and saving water. Some even have composting toilets and most encourage the use of public transportation to get to the venue. Outside of the UK Ireland’s Electric Picnic (September 3-5, 2010) and Denmark’s Roskilde Festival (July 1-4, 2010) have specific strategies that aim to raise audience awareness of environmental issues before, during and after the events.

A Greener Festival

If you’re worried that all this ethical festival stuff is just a load of noise, check out A Greener Festival (www.agreenerfestival.com). This non-profit organisation is helping audience members and organisers around the globe swap environmentally friendly ideas and practices. The site provides a message board for any suggestions, so if you’ve seen a green idea that’s taken your fancy, remember that sharing is caring and post your thoughts.

So in conclusion - carbon counters need not worry because between your efforts and organiser initiatives, you can keep rocking with an ethical conscience.

- Jackie Reddy