Published 16 February 2018

Gearing up for the festival season - the sustainable way

It’s that wonderful time of year again, when the crowds are big, the music is loud, the kai is plentiful, and that colourful hat seems like a good idea – festival season.

Whether it’s a big three-day affair or a quick trip to check out a community fair, there are lots of summer festival options to keep you entertained (see below!). 

Here are a few tips, tricks, and pretty things that will help you tackle festivals more sustainably.

1. Don’t drive - take the bus, train, bike or walk
Parking in Wellington is a nightmare at the best of times, and with road closures and crowds, you are guaranteed to spend more time sitting in your car than enjoying the festival. Make public transport or biking part of the adventure.

2. Take your reusable kit
Avoid growing our waste mountain! Some festival organisers and stallholders do try to reduce waste and supply recyclable/compostable packaging, but the best approach is to avoid it altogether by taking your own stuff. Your BYO kit could include Tupperware for food, beeswax wraps or lunch wrap bags for leftovers, a knife and fork from home, stainless steel straws, a reusable drink bottle, a KeepCup, and a couple of reusable bags for all your fine festival purchases.

3. Talk to stallholders
Not sure if the packaging from stalls is compostable or recyclable? Ask! It’s great to let them know there’s demand for businesses to be more environmentally-friendly, and for you to know what to do when you’re faced with six bins. Newtown Festival has some good info about their zero waste goals, including packaging dos and don’ts, here.

4. Put it in the right bin
If you do end up with waste, make sure it ends up in the right bin. Take a minute to read the signage and you will find that a lot doesn’t have to go to landfill. If they don’t have composting or recycling facilities on-site, and you do at home, why not take your rubbish away with you? Hot tip: most takeaway coffee cups can’t be composted at large events, and they can never be recycled (that’s why your KeepCup is great). The bigger festivals will have helpful volunteers to guide you.

5. Dress appropriately
If you’ve never tried Thunderpants, you really should. They’re ethically and locally made, and are just perfect for dancing and stomping around in comfort!