We all love to get lost in the music. But when it comes to music festivals, constructing the perfect experience for festivalgoers doesn’t come without a steep price. It’s time to face the music of the environmental impact of festivals…and what steps can be taken to minimize them.
At Cleanwaste, festival people are OUR people. In the spirit of giving back to our earthly home, let’s consider three ways our festival experiences impact the environment so we can understand just how much they cost our planet.
Number 1: Waste Generation
Unfortunately, getting lost in the music often causes festivalgoers to forget basic environmental decency. At festivals, waste generation is immense. Just consider: Coachella generates a reported 107 tons of waste each day, and only 20% is estimated to be recycled. When you consider the amount of food containers, single-use plastic, cans, fast fashion, and even throw-away tents, a heap of trash is left behind.
And solid waste doesn’t even scratch the surface.
Number 2: Water Usage and Pollution
Water consumption at festivals, especially with extended camping, strains local resources. High demand for drinking, food preparation, and sanitation exacerbates the problem, increasing the use of single-use plastics.
On a grosser note, water pollution can cause significant problems at festival sites. Just consider the HBO documentary that claims that the mud you see from the Woodstock ‘91 photos was actually human sh*t. Wouldn’t you love seeing the number of illnesses the festival caused?
Improper disposal of waste (including human waste, yuck) and runoff from festival sites can contaminate local water bodies when festivals fail to minimize water use with human waste, even though water-free portable toilet solutions exist. The dead fish from Glastonbury in 2014 can serve as a warning to us all.
Number 3: Transportation and Event Operation
Transportation, including tens of thousands of attendees, artists, and staff, significantly impacts the carbon footprint, especially for international festivals. Catering, accommodation, and production further add to this footprint.
Just consider electricity alone. Festivals typically require immense energy for lighting, sound systems, and other electrical equipment. If the power is sourced from non-renewable resources, this can lead to increased carbon emissions.
Now, let’s talk fuel. Generators and transportation for logistics and attendees contribute to fossil fuel consumption and emissions, increasing air pollution and greenhouse gasses.
Ways to Minimize the Environmental Impact of Festivals
Festival and Earth lovers, there is hope! Let’s talk about some of the ways festivals and attendees alike can contribute to more sustainable solutions.
Disposing of Solid Waste
Festivals need to start Implementing comprehensive recycling and composting programs. Many already have. For example, Burning Man includes “Leaving No Trace” as one of its ten principles. Festival organizers can also promote eco-friendly practices, such as encouraging reusable items, using biodegradable products, and minimizing single-use plastics.
Conserve Water and Use Water-Free Portable Camping Toilets
Using water-efficient strategies and proper waste disposal systems can go a long way in helping the environment. Festival organizers may plan to utilize water-conserving technologies, including water-saving fixtures for showers, refill stations to discourage single-use plastic bottles, and greywater recycling systems for non-potable uses.
But let’s talk sh*t (our favorite topic!). While porta potties may solve some of the environmental issues, ultimately, the harsh chemicals in these portable toilets are harmful to humans and wildlife alike – plus, they take a lot of fuel and energy to transport. If you’re at a multi-day festival, using the best portable toilet for camping that utilizes Waste Alleviation and Gelling bags is better. The Original WAG BAG® from Cleanwaste utilizes a gelling agent that deodorizes and solidifies waste within 10 seconds. Pair that with a GO Anywhere Total System that includes a portable outdoor toilet and a privacy tent, and you’ve got your own smell-free, environmentally friendly outdoor portable toilet for the entirety of the festival.
Operations and Transport:
A little bit of planning goes a long way. Here are a few ways festival operations can do their part.
- Optimize supply chains and source locally to minimize transport trips and distances.
- Use electric or hybrid vehicles for festival operations and transport; implement a no-idling policy.
- Promote public transport and shuttle services through partnerships with local transit authorities.
- Encourage carpooling and ridesharing with discounts and dedicated pick-up/drop-off zones.
Let’s make sure our festival experiences are in tune with our planet. At Cleanwaste, we fully support conscious choices paired with sustainable practices that can reduce the environmental footprint of our beloved festivals. From waste management and water conservation to optimizing transport and operations, every step counts. Let’s work together to keep the music playing and our planet thriving.
