Ditch the throwaways
Instead of buying hot drinks in wasteful throwaway cups, plastic or otherwise, why not take your own reusable coffee cup?
And if you're all about cooking your own breakfast, make sure you pack refillable bottles of condiments and snacks. A surefire way to increase your popularity among your camping neighbours and avoid single-use packets.
If you're frequenting food stalls, be sure to pack your tupperware, as vendors are usually very open to this. And don't forgot a cutlery set, reusable napkins and towels.
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Bring a bottle
Hydration at festivals is key (and particularly necessary when you wake up in a boiling tent).
We know the convenience of bottled water is tempting, but most festivals now provide drinking water at taps around the site. All you need is your reusable bottle.
The security guards will probably make you empty your bottle before you enter the festival site, but once inside just head to the nearest tap and fill up.
Reusable pint glass
Bring your own reusable beverage glass. Although some are still plastic, these sturdier cups are much better than throwaway cups, and if you buy one at your festival, you can even take them home as a souvenir.
If you like a straw with your drink, take an aluminium one with you so you can sip in plastic-free style.
Plastic-free toiletries
Remember to pack these zero-waste options for those mornings when you need to freshen up:
- Bamboo toothbrushes.
- Cocoa powder instead of dry shampoo (it makes a good cuppa and your hair looks great. If you're blonde you can use arrowroot).
- A flannel (instead of wet wipes).
You can even make your own wipes using squares of fabric (an old t-shirt will do). Try this recipe over at Homemade for Elle using coconut oil, witch hazel and essential oils. These will last the whole weekend in a sealable lunchbox or clean jam jar and can be washed and reused.
Check out more tips for eco-friendly toiletries.
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Eco-glitter
For some lucky souls the sun may well shine on your festival experience, so be sure to bring the sun cream. Check the label before you purchase as some creams contain micro-plastics.
And for those of you who can't leave the tent without a face full of glitter, be sure to bag yourself some eco-glitter. Unlike standard glitter it doesn't contain micro-plastics (instead it's usually made from plant cellulose and the teeniest amount of aluminium).
Cagoules are cool
If you're at a festival in the UK, you can pretty much guarantee that at some point the heavens will open.
But with a bit of wardrobe planning, your experience needn't be a complete wash-out.
Pack a cagoule to avoid those disposable single-use rain macs.
And finally, take it home
As you prepare to return to reality, don't ditch your tent. We know tents are becoming cheaper to buy, and taking them down can be a pain, but please take them home.
Thousands of tents are abandoned each year, causing a headache for volunteers and organisers alike. A tent isn't a disposable item.
Tidy up your campsite too. Most festivals now have amazing recycling facilities, so do your bit for the planet on your way out.