Festival season is here and it’s definitely one of the most exciting events of the year for so many people. Without a doubt a time to let loose and enjoy great music, and camping amongst nature is a huge part of the whole experience. But alongside that, It's really important to ensure that our enjoyment doesn't come at the expense of the environment and surrounding area.
As part of Plastic Free July were here to share practical tips and insights to make your next festival trip as eco-friendly and enjoyable as possible, so you can have a great time while leaving a minimal footprint. Curious to find out how much plastic you could save with one simple switch? Take the test with our calculator!
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Before you go:
Before heading to the festival, do your research and, where possible, try and invest in durable, high-quality camping equipment. This way it will last for years and reduce the likelihood of you needing to replace things later on.
If you’re not a regular camper, you could consider getting things which have been pre-owned, or even renting the equipment.
On top of this, here are just some of the things you can do to help:
✅ Bring reusable water bottles and cutlery to avoid single use plastic
✅ Use biodegradable soap and shampoos that won’t harm the environment
✅ Bring solar-powered chargers to keep your devices charged without using disposable batteries
✅ Look out for things like biodegradable tent pegs, or sleeping bags made from
✅ Choose eco-friendly glitter
Tips for Managing Your Period Sustainably at Festivals:
You’ve been excitedly awaiting this festival for months, everything is ready to go and.. damn, you realise you’ll be on your period. While this can seem like a huge inconvenience, managing your period sustainably while at a festival can be much easier than you would think.
If you haven’t tried them before, no time could be better than now to pick up a pair of our reusable period panties. They’re really handy at the best of times, but at a festival, an absolute game changer.
Period pants look and feel just like regular underwear, but with the added benefit of an integrated absorbent section which acts exactly like a disposable pad. The bonus here is that, unlike pads, the pants can be washed and re-worn again and again, and there’s NO plastic waste to worry about.
Our period pants can absorb the same amount as three tampons, so you don’t need to worry about popping to the loo, because let's face it, festival toilets are to be avoided at all costs. They’re quick and easy to change so you can easily pop into your tent to put on a new pair if you need a refresh at the end of a long day. They’re also great for wearing to bed because the absorbent section keeps you safe from leaks overnight.
As well as reusable pants you could also consider taking a menstrual cup with you. Our Ruby Cup can be worn for up to 8 hours, leaving you free to sing and dance to your hearts content without worrying at all about your period!
It has an indefinite lifespan and zero plastic waste, plus a whole host of other benefits such as reduced cramps, no messy pads and no nasty dryness.
Just make sure that if you’re wearing a menstrual cup at a festival you sterilise it fully before you go, clean your hands thoroughly before removing the cup, and don’t let it touch any unhygienic surfaces while you’re rinsing it out.
Some other tips to help manage your period sustainably while at the festival:
✅ Bring a small cleaning kit: Include a pH balanced, fragrance-free soap and a water bottle for rinsing your cup and intimate areas.
✅ Pack a waterproof bag for used pants to take home and wash.
✅ Plan your wash schedule. Factor in bathroom trips around your plan for the day so that you feel prepared. Take advantage of festival showers for quick clean ups.
Leave No Trace:
So you’re all set and ready to have the time of your life at the festival. Is there anything else you can do to help make sure you can leave as small a footprint as possible?
It is always best to try and follow the leave no trace principle. This basically means leaving the area exactly the same way that you found it once it’s time to go home. This includes all the obvious things like taking away any litter, but there are some other things you can bear in mind here too.
1. Plan ahead: pack lightly, and wisely. Try and bring only what you need and make sure to include as many reusable items as you can to avoid any single use plastics.
2. Travel and camp on durable surfaces. You can help avoid causing damage to surrounding areas by sticking to the established paths and designated camping areas.
3. Dispose of waste properly. Bring bags to collect all of your rubbish, including food waste, and take it with you when you leave. Never leave anything behind.
4. Separate and recycle. If recycling bins are available, separate everything into the right bin. Bring reusable containers to minimise food waste and use compostable bags for organic waste.
5. Leave what you find. While you’re at the festival try and avoid picking plants, disturbing wildlife, or taking natural souvenirs. We know that a beautiful flower crown will be the perfect addition to your outfit, but it’s kinder to leave nature exactly as you found it.
6. Minimise campfire impact. Instead of a traditional campfire, you can use a camping stove for cooking to reduce the risk of wildfires. If fires are permitted, make sure you use established fire rings, keep the fires small and only use dead wood for burning. Make sure you fully extinguish your fire before leaving and scatter cool ashes to disperse them.
7. Don’t feed the animals: Human food can harm wildlife and alter their natural foraging habits. Avoid leaving any human food waste for the wildlife, instead put it in your compostable waste bag.
With that in mind, we hope you have the best time! Remember, every small action counts towards creating a more sustainable and responsible festival culture. 🌍🎊