TOP 5 TIPS TO REDUCE YOUR PLASTIC WASTE THIS FESTIVAL SEASON

With Bestival banning plastic straws, Glastonbury not selling single-use plastic bottles and Live Nation pledging that all of their venues and events will eliminate single-use plastics by 2021 and achieve zero-waste by 2030, it feels like the eco revolution has well and truly arrived. While it may take a few more years to fully organise zero-waste festivals, here are a few ideas about how you can minimise your plastic waste this festival season.

1. TAKE YOUR OWN REUSABLE CUTLERY AND CROCKERY

The food on offer at festivals across the UK is no longer a soggy burger and chips—more often than not there are mouth-watering global gourmet offerings! Lots of food trucks have already begun to use biodegradable packaging, but one sure-fire way to avoid any plastic waste is to take your own reusable plate and cutlery set. If you have to use your own set, make sure you tell the vendor that it is time they invest in biodegradable or reusable alternatives!

2. DON’T USE WET WIPES

Even the so-called “flushable” wet wipes don’t actually biodegrade, because most of them contain plastic. So, what happens is that they fragment and fibres break away which contributes to the huge problem of microplastics in our oceans.

Choose a more sustainable option to get clean this festival season with solid, plastic-free toiletries or even a Shower in a Can which is made from recyclable aluminium, gives you up to 20 full “body washes” (so you’re less likely to leave it!) and doesn’t require water or a towel to get you clean and fresh all festival long!

3. USE BIODEGRADABLE GLITTER

It’s festival season and that means GLITTER...EVERYWHERE! No festival look is complete without some sparkly glamour, but traditional glitter is made up of microplastics—the worst kind of plastic! Fear not though, there are lots of biodegradable glitter alternatives now on offer, so switch over and get guilt-free festival fabulous!

4. DON’T TAKE PLASTIC BAGS

Love the tote! We’ve all got a pile of them in a cupboard somewhere from various freebies, so put them to good use this festival season and organise your clothes and shoes in tote bags. Got food that you’re taking? Pop it in tupperware to keep it fresh and eliminate single-use sandwich bags and clingfilm.

5. BRING A BAMBOO TOOTHBRUSH

99% of toothbrushes are plastic and they contribute to the massive 8m tonnes of plastic that enter our oceans every year. One simple way to reduce your plastic waste this festival season (and in general!) is to switch to a bamboo toothbrush.

6. TAKE A REFILLABLE BOTTLE

Refillable bottles are an essential in everyday life and you can take them to festivals too! You might be asked by security to empty the contents before entering the arena (just in case there might be something other than water in there!), but as soon as you are in, you can head to the nearest water station to fill back up!

We hope that you manage to reduce your plastic waste this festival season! Wherever you end up, don’t forget to take a  Shower in a Can to stay clean and fresh with no need for water and share your photos with us on social media! Find out more about Shower in a Can by visiting our FAQ page.