Summer Wyatt-Buchan provides a brief introduction to how UK music festivals are becoming more sustainable.
Image courtesy of Summer Wyatt-Buchan
Sustainability is increasingly moving to the forefront of event planning and with over 32-million people attending at least one festival a year[1] it is vital that all large-scale music events help to combat climate change. 46% of festival goers are between 18 and 34 which makes the festival weekend a massive opportunity to influence the millennial population. Subsequently, a majority of the most vocal climate activists are also within this age range - and are often even younger.
As the climate clock continues to tick the control that festival marketing has on young minds becomes increasingly important. The current youth uprising will continue to grow and should be praised and supported by those holding the power. Further, harnessing and praising those that influence thousands of people at any one time.
Environmentally conscious catering
Vegan and vegetarian lifestyles are becoming ever more popular and food stands at festivals are beginning to reflect this. 10-years ago it was a struggle to find anything made without meat but today there are a wealth of different options; so many that over 20% of British attendees choose vegan options[2] throughout the whole experience.
"Impacts from agriculture are expected to increase substantially due to population growth increasing consumption of animal products. Unlike fossil fuels, it is difficult to look for alternatives: people have to eat. A substantial reduction of impacts would only be possible with a substantial worldwide diet change, away from animal products.”
– UN 2010 report
By ‘going’ vegan it is not only possible to improve your own health and lifestyle, but it is also possible to dramatically improve the outlook for the environment and reduce pressure on the earths resources. Festival goers choose vegan options to keep up their energy and feel refreshed throughout the day, but this also contributes to the sustainable outlook of festivals. The more people buy into vegan food stands, the more vegan food stands will be provided. Adopting a vegan lifestyle even if just for a day, contributes less air pollution and requires less land, water, and fossil fuels than the production and consumption of meat, and may be a critical lifestyle change that could help dictate the survival of our species.
Arguably, should only vegan food be provided, only vegan food would be bought, and this should be taken into consideration by all events planners.
Recycling and composting
UK festivals have begun to take a stand in terms of enforcing site-wide recycling and composting schemes. Encouraging recycling has become a top priority, not only do festivals produce waste on a large scale, but it is also a visible issue and so it is one that cannot be ignored. Many festivals have adopted different initiatives to tackle this issue. Reading Festival has an exchange system where people can collect cups in exchange for money. 2000 trees festival is completely cashless and has waterless eco-friendly hygiene kits that can be recycled and used in place of disposable soaps and shampoos[3]. All contents of these kits have been sourced from the UK. Download festival has a 3-bin system and provides each festival goer with recycling bags and a recycling location[4].
Image courtesy of The Big Issue (2000 Trees Festival, 2019)
Powering the festival
Powering a festival sustainably may seem a far reach from reality, but each year it is a dream that comes a little closer. Although solar power is the most known form of renewable energy it is not always the most feasible method. UK festivals are looking into adopting green energy through biodiesel generators and hybrid systems where the energy comes from a renewable source [5]. In 2011, festival republic adopted the use of biodiesel in four of their festivals (Latitude, Big Chill, Reading and Leeds) to reduce carbon emissions. However, this technique led to a lesser reduction than hoped and resulted in more research needing to be conducted. Shambala festival, Northamptonshire, was powered 98% by WVO biodiesel, wind, and solar power in 2010 which positively reduced its carbon footprint by over 50% per person per day across the four-year implementation period[6]. Using green power is possible and is something being researched with urgency. Most of a festivals total carbon emission comes from power, which is why it is imperative for a sustainable future renewable alternative to be put into place.
No Plastics and water refill stations
Live nation is the world’s largest concert promoter and has pledged to eliminate single-use plastics from its festivals by 2021[7]. This has resulted in many UK festivals having to go plastic free. Before this pledge was made Glastonbury banned single-use plastics following concerns about how the event impacts the environment, which has consequently spurred many other festivals and event associations to do the same.
“Hosting over 35,000 concerts and festivals each year, Live Nation has the opportunity and responsibility to provide our artists and fans with a live music experience that protects our planet, "The adverse effects of climate change are undeniable, and we want to use our place on the world stage to be part of the solution. Together our concerts, venues, festivals, and offices around the world are setting new sustainability standards for live events.""
- Michael Rapino, president of Live Nation Entertainment.
Many festivals have adopted a water refill initiative or have introduced canned water, in the case of 2000 trees, as an alternative to bottled. This provides an easy and effective step to reducing the overall carbon footprint.
Sound regulation
Noise pollution is often forgotten when discussing sustainability, with waste and energy consumption often being the primary focus. Research has shown that wildlife is negatively affected by loud noise and that plants do not absorb the correct nutrients when exposed to a loud environment[8]. Humans also face negative consequences to prolonged loud noises such as chronic disease, stress, and permanent hearing loss[9]. There are no policies that exhaustively protect our hearing, for those that are in place tend to just focus on what is dangerous rather than how to prevent such dangers. Even the World Health Organisations guidelines only provide vague measures on how to protect from long lasting loud noises such as those created from music festivals. It is important to remember that noise pollution is a critical driver of anthropogenic pollution and has a significant impact on the environment.
Although earplugs are sometimes provided, it is worth questioning the sustainability of the materials used, and whether they are an adequate solution.
Image courtesy of Summer Wyatt-Buchan
Overall
No matter which green initiatives festival production teams put into place, it comes down to festival goers taking responsibility for creating a wholly sustainable space and experience.
So, what can you do?
- Take part in green initiatives such as recycling and using reusable water bottles.
- Take your tent home and do not purchase one use tents.
- Go vegan and invest in the local green food options.
- Use biodegradable glitter and charity shop your costumes.
- Travel sustainably: by bus, train, or bike.
- Always use the bins provided.
References
[7] https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-48380605
[8] Nedelec SL, Radford AN, Simpson SD, Nedelec B, Lecchini D, Mills SC (July 2014). "Anthropogenic noise playback impairs embryonic development and increases mortality in a marine invertebrate". Scientific Reports. 4 (1): 5891. Bibcode:2014NatSR...4E5891N. doi:10.1038/srep05891. PMC 4118180. PMID 25080997.
[9] https://www.signia-hearing.com/blog/keeping-your-ears-safe-at-concerts/
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Summer Wyatt-Buchan is a second year BSc Geography student and the Editor in Chief for the UCL Climate Action Society online blog and journal. Summer is committed to making the world as sustainable as possible and would like to encourage others to join this important mission.
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