Travelling the world for music festivals is an incredible way to live, but if we’re not paying attention, it can take a real toll on the planet. That doesn’t mean you have to stop exploring or give up the events that bring you joy. It’s more about being aware of the impact we leave behind and picking up habits that help ease it.
Some festivals are already starting to take sustainability seriously. You’ll see better waste systems, efforts to reduce single-use plastics, or full campaigns encouraging more conscious choices. But it’s not just on the organisers. As festival goers, we’ve got a voice and it matters. Whether it’s choosing the train instead of flying when you can or asking festivals to step it up, the little things do count.
If you’re looking for ways to enjoy the scene without leaving such a heavy trace, here are a few small changes that go a long way.
1. One of the easiest ways to be more sustainable at festivals? Stop using single-use cups
Get yourself a reusable one and keep it in your bag or clipped to your belt. No more plastic cups, no more waste. Think about it — thousands of cups get thrown out at just one event. Even the biodegradable ones end up all over the floor, and most don’t break down properly for months, sometimes even years.
There are loads of options out there, from stainless steel to bamboo or collapsable silicone ones that barely take up any space. Some festivals even offer a discount on drinks if you bring your own cup, while others are moving towards banning disposables altogether.
Wonderfruit was one of the first to lead the way. Back in 2019, they made history in Thailand by becoming the first music festival to stop serving drinks in single-use cups. Everyone had to bring or buy a reusable one — a bold move, but it worked. Proof that change is possible when people get on board.
2. And don’t even think about putting a plastic straw in that reusable cup
One of the handiest things you can carry at a festival is a foldable straw. Most of them come in a little case with a cleaning brush, so you can rinse it out and use it all weekend. They weigh next to nothing and fit easily into your pocket or bag. Once you’ve got one, you’ll never need a plastic straw again — and you’ll wonder why you didn’t make the switch sooner.
3. Be more sustainable at music festivals by swapping out wet wipes for soap and water
If you want to travel more sustainably, the wet wipes have to go. They’re not biodegradable, they’re packed with harsh chemicals, and most of the time they end up straight in the ground at campsites. Not great for the planet — or your skin.
If you’re camping, honestly, a bar of soap and some water is more than enough to freshen up. I’ll admit, I used to rely on wet wipes too. They’re easy, they’re everywhere, and I totally get the convenience. But if you really can’t go without them, just make the switch to a biodegradable option. There are loads of better choices out there now that break down properly and do far less harm. Small change, big difference.
4. Stop using plastic bags at festivals
They’re one of the worst types of waste out there. They’re not truly recyclable — no matter what some brands claim — and they almost always end up somewhere they shouldn’t be. In the ocean, on the beach, tangled in trees.
The fix is easy. Pack a reusable shopping bag in your luggage. Something foldable that takes up no space but comes in handy when you need to carry laundry, snacks, drinks, or whatever else you end up dragging around. Once it’s in your routine, you won’t look back
5. If you want to sparkle, make it sustainable
It’s easy to forget, but glitter is basically microplastic. Once you wash it off, it goes straight into the ocean. Fish eat it, and eventually, so do you. Not exactly the kind of full circle we’re aiming for.
Plastic glitter is toxic and doesn’t break down, which means it sticks around long after the party’s over. Luckily, eco-glitter is a thing — and it looks just as good. So skip the plastic stuff and swap it out for a biodegradable option. You’ll still shine, but without the side of pollution.
6. You can eat your way to a greener planet
Swap out single-use plates and plastic cutlery for a foldable Tupperware and a reusable cutlery set. They don’t take up much space, are easy to clean, and come in handy way more often than you’d think.
Having your own set means you can save leftovers instead of tossing them, and you’ll never have to turn down food just because there’s nothing to eat it with. No more messy hands, no more waste, and no more missed meals. Just simple, practical changes that make a difference.
7. Rethink your wash bag
A lot of small swaps in your wash bag can add up to a big difference. Ditch the plastic toothbrush and go for bamboo. The same goes for cotton buds — easy to find, easy to carry, and way better for the planet.
Instead of buying those endless travel-size bottles, hold on to the ones you already have and refill them from bigger ones at home. If you’re on the road, check if there’s a refill station nearby — they’re more common than you’d think. Some even let you top up essentials like detergent and washing up liquid, which comes in handy if you’re camping. It’s one of the easiest ways to cut down on waste without giving up anything that makes your life easier.
8. Support festivals that care about the planet
The easiest way to vote for a greener future is with your ticket. Some festivals are putting real work into sustainability — whether it’s banning single-use plastics, offering proper recycling, setting up refill stations, or running on renewable energy. Others are still dragging their feet.
If this stuff matters to you (and let’s be honest, it should), support the ones doing it right. It sends a clear message that this is what festival-goers expect. The more we choose events that make an effort, the more likely it is that others will follow.
9. Plant trees when you travel
Every time we travel to a festival, we leave behind a footprint. Whether you’re flying across the world or just driving a few hours out of town, fuel-powered travel pumps carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. One of the easiest ways to give something back is to plant trees.
Plenty of organisations offer tree-planting packages to help balance out your CO2 emissions. If you’re based in the UK, Make It Wild is a great place to start. They let you calculate your footprint and offer different ways to give back. Small action, big impact — and it takes just a few minutes.
10. Respect the place you’re in
Every festival takes place somewhere — on someone’s land, in someone’s town. It’s easy to get caught up in the music and forget that.
So take a moment. Learn a bit about where you are. Talk to people. Try the food. Don’t just treat it like a backdrop to your party. Taking time to appreciate the culture and the people around you always makes the experience more real — and way more memorable.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re deep in the forest or raving on the beach, treat the surroundings with care. Pick up your rubbish. Be mindful of the people who live nearby. Many festivals now include local projects, cultural showcases, or ways to support the community — explore them. It makes the whole experience more meaningful.
