Woodstock in green - how to plan a sustainable festival visit
23.05.2023 - After corona, the big music festivals are back. For many fans of live performances and informal open-air living in the spirit of Woodstock, attending at least one such major event in summer is a must. We show how the festival lifestyle can be organised sustainably.
After the crowds have left, many a festival site looks like a rubbish tip. Empty (beer) cans, carelessly discarded plastic ponchos and camping equipment are left behind. Even staunch environmentalists and sustainability enthusiasts throw all principles overboard at an open-air festival - there's simply no other way, is often the excuse. Yet even the wildest rock festival can be organised in a way that conserves resources, avoids waste and takes a critical look atCO2 emissions.
Choice of festival
As a festival participant, you seemingly have little influence on some factors; the organiser sets the framework conditions. As a visitor, you should therefore find out in advance how important the organisers take the issue of sustainability and what measures they rely on. For example, you can ask whether the event management uses environmentally friendly materials such as recycled paper, bioplastics, biodegradable materials and sustainably produced wood. Well-thought-out waste management can help to reduce the amount of waste at festivals and collect the waste produced in separation systems and then pass it on to suitable recycling measures. Organisers should use renewable energies such as solar and wind power to reduce the festival'scarbon footprint.
In terms of catering, organically grown food and local products as well as vegetarian and vegan options indicate an ambitious approach on the part of the organiser. Information areas during the event and notices on tickets or the website that provide information about sustainable practices and encourage concertgoers to behave in the same way are also clear signs that festival organisers are taking an environmentally conscious approach.
There are festivals that explicitly emphasise the environmental aspect and communicate their sustainable practices to the outside world. These include the Greenfield Festival in Switzerland, for example. It uses renewable energy, has a sophisticated waste management system and offers local, seasonal and organic food. The Roskilde Festival in Denmark also has a strong focus on sustainability. Its organisers operate their own biogas plant and use it to produce electricity and heat, recycle waste and work with local farmers and food producers. Another event known for its sustainable focus is the Boom Festival in Portugal. It uses solar energy and its own waste water system. Vegetarian and vegan options are available for catering, and there are environmentally educational information areas for visitors. The Melt Festival in Germany also implements similar concepts and runs an extensive recycling programme.
Arrival and departure
The most sustainable way of travelling to and from a festival is by public transport or bicycle. However, these options can rarely be used, as the venues are often far away from the cities and a lot of equipment and luggage is needed for the camping stay. So if travelling by car is absolutely unavoidable, carpooling and/or using electric vehicles are the right choice. Many festivals also offer the use of shuttle buses or trains - often included in the ticket price.
Accommodation & stay
Many ideas that are used in sustainable camping have already found their way into the festival scene. Campsites with compost toilets or rainwater showers are just two examples. The biggest enemy of campers and festival-goers alike is rain. For a long time, open-air enthusiasts' first choice for protection from the rain was a cheap, disposable polyester poncho - a disastrous decision for nature, of course. If a polyester solution is to be used, then it should be a high-quality outdoor jacket that can be worn for a long time, preferably made from recycled polyester. Even an easily transportable disposable poncho is now made from corn starch or other biodegradable plastics. The same applies to seat cushions or the unavoidable sleeping mats. These are also already available made from natural materials such as wool, felt, cotton, coconut shells or hemp or from recycled or biodegradable plastics.
Catering
Disposable crockery - even if it is made from naturally degradable materials - is never a good idea, as energy is used for production and transport. Reusable plates, cups and cutlery are therefore a must at the event. If you don't prepare your own food but buy it from a stand, you should look for providers who offer sustainable options such as vegetarian or vegan meals made from local and seasonal produce. Reusable water bottles are also a must to avoid plastic bottles.
Beverages
Alcoholic drinks in particular are often transported over long distances. If possible, choose locally produced beers and wines to minimise yourcarbon footprint. Here, too, you can check whether the producers implement environmentally friendly practices, such as the use of renewable energy or recycled materials for their packaging. Nothing more needs to be said about disposable plastic cups, they are a no-go. If you don't bring your own drinking vessel, you can purchase a deposit cup at most festivals, which can be returned after the event.
Waste separation
One of the most important aspects of organising a sustainable festival experience is correct waste separation. Waste should be sorted into materials such as paper, plastic, glass or organic waste and disposed of in the appropriate containers. If there is no waste separation at the festival, you should ideally have your own bin bag with you and take it home with you to dispose of the contents correctly.
Social responsibility
Open-air festivals offer a great opportunity to celebrate a communal and peaceful event with like-minded people. Charitable organisations often perform at these events to collect donations, and of course you can make an additional contribution in this way. But everyone can also contribute to this social sustainability aspect with small gestures of personal initiative. For example, picking up a little rubbish or looking after people who have had too much to drink will at least make these festivals a better place. When it comes to sustainability, every action counts and even small changes for the better can have a big impact.
Cover picture: George Webster/Pexels
Since his editorial traineeship in Hamburg, Jan Strahl has worked as a journalist, editor or author for almost every large and small publishing house in the city. He writes for consumer media and corporate publishing publications on art, fashion, lifestyle and knowledge topics.
