RPC’s Post

The industry is in trouble, funding is definately required. Its time for environmental policy / mandate also. Like other industries festivals / events should be required to meet positive environmental standards. The carbon footprint of festivals is massive, along with the phenominal amounts of waste created as a biproduct of the consumerist nature of attending. Turning a festival carbon neutral is a big, expensive task. In other industries, financial support to do this transition is provided from Government (as minimum standards are mandated). If Support and subsidies can be provided elsewhere, why not also in the arts? Mandate the requirements, help fund the transition.

Compost toilets, cardboard tents, refillable cups and in some Festivals...No plastic. Now, there was a time when 'no plastic' would once have been a new fashionable band from Hackney, as historically, festivals have often been associated with exuberant celebrations, music, and joyous gatherings. Yet, alongside the revelry, they've also left a considerable environmental footprint. In the UK alone, festivals generate a staggering 23,500 tonnes of waste each year, with almost 70% of this waste ending up in landfills. However, many festival organisers are confronting this challenge head-on and implementing strategies to steer festivals towards reducing their footprint. At Transcend Packaging Ltd. we want to support the the evolution of festivals towards towards a greener, more environmentally conscious future. By leveraging innovation and creativity we can help to ensure that all food eaten from, drank from and sipped from the worlds most sustainable materials... all of which are 'Caerphilly' created in Wales. #Sustainability #Festivals #EnvironmentalImpact #Innovation #CommunityEngagement #GreenInitiatives

A recent A Greener Future report, analysing the sustainability credentials of more than 40 festivals across 11 countries, shows significant areas of improvement, such as bans on single-use plastic serveware increasing from 54 per cent in 2022 to 75 per cent last year, a reduction in average waste per person per day from 0.75 kg to 0.5 kg, and more festivals going fully vegan or vegetarian. From fringe concern to mainstream priority, sustainability is finally under the spotlights at a growing number of global music events. But how realistic is a ‘carbon-neutral’ festival, will greater demand for sustainable events change the dial and how can we all do our bit? ROADBOOK investigates: https://buff.ly/3Q22zSc #Sustainability #SustainableEvents

Another interesting read from betternotstop latest report! Comparing data collected from their landmark study “More than Music” back in 2022. The findings show that there is no doubt the industry needs external government help, but it must also remain proactive in advancing sustainable practices across the board. It's not all doom and gloom and positive changes are happening throughout the sector. There is a clear shift towards sustainability goals, with a growing understanding that for the events industry to thrive in the future, organisers and companies must implement long-term strategies. However, this is not an overnight fix. As Ed Shedd, lead partner for Deloitte’s European Sustainability practice, mentions: “More action is needed to successfully future-proof this sector against the challenges that climate change will present.” Some numbers to highlight are: 19% of UK music festivals from 2022 no longer exist 46% have sustainability policies 70% have charitable giving policies 31% have some sort of carbon measures, of which only 4% shared their carbon footprint Only 26% had a fossil fuel reduction policy 14% had no sustainability policies whatsoever Thank you, betternotstop, for your constant hard work! Big changes in the industry will take time but with commitment from all involved, a greener and brighter future is possible. Achieving sustainability and positive transformation, as mentioned, won't happen overnight. However, the ongoing efforts and dedication of those involved will pave the way for lasting improvements. By staying focused on long-term goals and continuously working towards them, we can ensure that the events industry not only adapts but thrives in an environmentally responsible manner.

🎊🎸At Tomson Consulting, we understand that festivals are a blast but can also leave a hefty carbon footprint. 🌎 👣 Recent reports highlight how major festivals like Glastonbury are setting the stage for sustainability. Despite hosting over 200,000 attendees, Glastonbury manages to save more carbon emissions than it produces through initiatives like using renewable energy and minimising waste.🌟♻️ Just like the beats at a music festival, every step towards sustainability counts! 💪 From audience travel 🚗 to food and drink🍻 , the carbon footprint of festivals can be substantial. But with careful planning, you can significantly reduce these impacts. We offer tailored carbon management plans to help your festival hit the high notes of sustainability.🎶 Whether it's optimising travel options, reducing waste, or switching to renewable energy, we’ve got the expertise to make your event greener than ever.🌱🎪 Let us help you make your festival or event eco-friendly! Get in touch with us at ↪ info@tomsonconsulting.co.uk. ↩ https://lnkd.in/e-qjB3YP

How's the music industry fighting climate change? Discover the steps being taken towards sustainability and the key role artists & companies play. Dive into our latest blog on OWL ESG to learn more! https://bit.ly/4ctDAzI #ESG #Sustainability #MusicForClimate

Did you know that UK music festivals generate 25,800 tonnes of waste annually? A major contributor is abandoned tents, with 250,000 left behind each year, but also includes plenty of drink bottles, disposable vapes, and food waste. It takes a team of hundreds of workers up to 6 days to clean up after #Glastonbury. This video from the Independent shows the full extent of the job: https://lnkd.in/erSkjEQj Festivals have taken steps to reduce waste. Glastonbury banned disposable vapes last year and introduced composting schemes. Some businesses are stepping up as well. Tent supplier Decathlon has launched a buy-back scheme aimed at reducing tent waste, much of which would otherwise end up in landfills. Despite these efforts, festival-goers have a responsibility to make sustainable choices. Here’s how you can help: ⛺ Avoid buying new items for festivals, especially tents. Borrow from friends or reuse what you have. 🪴 Consider buying second-hand if you need new gear. ♻️ Use recyclable materials and dispose of them properly. If recycling isn't available at the festival, take it home. Most importantly, If you’re heading to a festival this year, please remember to clean up after yourself! What do you think about the festival waste problem? Should the responsibility be on individuals or organizers to keep our environment tidy? Share your thoughts below! 🌍✨ #Sustainability #FestivalSeason #EcoFriendly #LeaveNoTrace

Last year, Event Vision:2025 published a detailed briefing – Festival Industry Materials and Waste – that not only provides a comprehensive picture of waste challenges experienced by event organisers but also outlines recommendations that will help event professionals make progress on sustainable waste management. The report (authored by Vision 2025, Julie's Bicycle’s, and Resource Futures) and the briefing (by Julie’s Bicycle and Vision 2025) are elements of a three-phase plan that aims to help organisers shape future waste strategies and best practices. At the time, Julie’s Bicycle’s Richard Phillips, a climate change specialist, told StandOut that the report highlighted a huge disconnect between the expectations of festival managers and waste contractors; especially between what organisers think happens to waste and what actually happens. Furthermore, he urged organisers to think about a materials policy that bans problematic materials like disposable vapes, and then think about waste separation. Now, the British Metals Recycling Association (BMRA) is urging festival organisers to follow Glastonbury’s lead and introduce an outright ban on all disposable vapes. New figures show blazes linked to batteries used in the vapes are rising. Hence, the BMRA says more needs to be done. What are you doing about waste and disposable vapes on your event sites? Is this an issue that’s on your radar #Eventprofs? https://lnkd.in/eq8UJKf7 #Sustainability #Events

🏕️ We Need to Talk About Tents 🌿 🎉 Each year festival season brings fun, music, and memories, but there's a large visible issue we can't ignore: tent waste. According to Powerful Thinking's 'The Show Must Go On' 2020 report, UK camping music festivals generate a whopping 25,800 tonnes of waste annually. A staggering figure, but there's a silver lining: a reduction in waste per festival-goer from 2.8 kg in 2014 to 2 kg in 2019, thanks to reusable cups and waste reduction initiatives on campsites. 🔗 https://lnkd.in/e6PqEYsC 🏕️ However, the Association of Independent Festivals estimates that 250,000 tents are left at music festivals across the UK each year, many destined for landfill. Comp-A-Tent's research reveals a concerning 77% of tents are abandoned, contributing over 900 tonnes of waste. ♻️ A surprising misconception among festival-goers is the recyclability of tents. The reality? Tents, typically made from a mix of plastics, composite fabrics, and metals, are incredibly challenging to recycle. This complexity makes single-use tents a sustainability manager's nightmare and ensures they are destined for landfill and incineration. 🌍 But there's hope on the horizon. Pioneers like Kieran, Amanda Campbell, and others have spent over 15 years developing solutions. Their efforts have led to the creation of innovative initiatives like Camplight, Comp-A-Tent, and Pitched For You. These organisations offer tent collection, recycling, and repair services, alongside pitched campsite and compostable tent solutions, addressing the core of the festival waste challenge. As we celebrate the festival season, let's embrace these sustainable alternatives. Together, we can ensure our love for music and community doesn't cost the earth. 🌍 #SustainableFestivals #Tents #FestivalWaste

It's heartening to see the music festival scene taking significant strides towards sustainability, as highlighted in the BBC article titled "Why it's expensive to make music festivals greener" (). The shift towards greener practices in festivals is a reflection of a broader societal push towards environmental responsibility, and it's a trend that resonates with eco-conscious attendees like Hannah Love. Festivals like Glastonbury and Shambala are leading the way by implementing renewable energy sources, such as wind turbines, solar panels, and sustainably-sourced hydrogenated vegetable oil. These initiatives not only reduce the carbon footprint but also set a precedent for the industry. However, the transition to greener energy is not without its challenges. Investments in infrastructure, like connecting to the national grid or setting up solar farms, require significant upfront costs and long-term planning, as demonstrated by Mysteryland in the Netherlands. The article emphasizes that audience expectations are evolving, with festival-goers increasingly valuing sustainability alongside the lineup and social aspects. This consumer-driven change is encouraging, but it also underlines the need for festivals to communicate their green initiatives authentically, avoiding greenwashing. Transport remains a major contributor to festival emissions, and organizers must collaborate with transport providers to offer greener travel options. The example set by Dave Grohl of the Foo Fighters, who took the train to Glastonbury, is a testament to the influence that artists can have in promoting sustainable behaviors. In conclusion, while making festivals greener comes with financial and logistical hurdles, the long-term benefits to the environment and alignment with public sentiment make it a worthwhile endeavor. As festivals continue to adapt and innovate, they not only enhance the experience for attendees but also contribute to the global effort to mitigate climate change. #SustainableFestivals #GreenEnergy #EcoFriendlyEvents