Your Guide to Organising a Plastic-Free Festival

Plastic free festivals are no longer a new thing, they are the new normal. The guys at MyWaste.ie have collaborated with NativeEvents.ie to bring us the guide for event organisers that want to go plastic free. The Guide to Plastic Free Festivals & Events will guide an event organiser through the pitfalls of organising a plastic-free festival that attendees will love.

Why Go Plastic-Free?

The environmental impact of single-use plastics is well-documented. Plastic waste often ends up in incineration, oceans, and ecosystems, causing harm to wildlife and contributing to pollution. By eliminating plastic at a festival, you can:

• Reduce your event’s carbon footprint
• Protect local wildlife and habitats
• Inspire attendees to adopt eco-friendly habits
• Enhance your festival’s reputation as a sustainable event
• Be seen to be a leader in a field of early adopters of truly sustainable events

Key Steps to Organising a Plastic-Free Festival

1. Plan Ahead

Start by setting clear goals and communicating your plastic-free policy to all stakeholders, including vendors, sponsors, and attendees. Develop a comprehensive plan that outlines alternative materials, waste management strategies, and educational initiatives.

2. Choose Eco-Friendly Alternatives

Replace single-use plastics with sustainable alternatives:

• Encourage reusable water bottles and provide refill stations
• Use biodegradable or compostable tableware and cutlery
• Opt for paper or cloth bags instead of plastic ones
• Choose decorations made from natural or recycled materials

3. Collaborate with Vendors and Sponsors

Work closely with your vendors and sponsors to ensure they adhere to your plastic-free policy. Provide clear guidelines and support them in finding eco-friendly alternatives for their products and packaging.

4. Implement Effective Waste Management

Ensure you have a robust waste management system in place:

• Provide clearly labeled bins for recycling, composting, and general waste
• Educate attendees on proper waste disposal through signage and announcements
• Partner with local waste management companies to handle recycling and composting
• Partner with a reusable cup supplier

5. Engage and Educate Attendees

Engage your staff and attendees in your plastic-free initiative:

• Communicate your eco-friendly policies through your website, social media, and event materials
• Encourage attendees to bring their own reusable items
• Host workshops and talks on sustainability and plastic-free living
• Recognize and reward attendees / staff who embrace your plastic-free ethos

Real-Life Success Stories

Many festivals have successfully gone plastic-free, proving that it’s possible to create a fantastic event while prioritising sustainability. For example:

• Glastonbury Festival (UK) banned the sale of single-use plastic bottles, preventing over 1 million bottles from entering the waste stream
• Splendour in the Grass (Australia) eliminated all single-use plastics, including straws, cutlery, and food packaging
• Pickathon (USA) has been plastic-free since 2010, using reusable cups and plates, and biodegradable utensils

Let’s Create a Greener Future Together

Ready to start planning your plastic-free festival? Contact our friendly team today, and let’s work together to create a greener future, one event at a time.