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How sustainable are music festivals in terms of environmental impact?

Elana Perotti

As a music festival enthusiast, I have been pondering the same question for a while now. After conducting some research and attending various festivals, I can confidently say that the sustainability of music festivals in terms of environmental impact is a mixed bag.

On one hand, some festivals have taken significant strides towards sustainability. For example, Coachella has implemented a comprehensive sustainability plan to reduce its environmental impact. The event recycles, composts, and donates leftover food. They also encourage attendees to use public transportation or carpool to the venue and have implemented a bike-share program.

Similarly, Glastonbury, one of the world's most prominent festivals, has taken significant strides towards sustainability. The festival goes beyond recycling and prohibiting single-use plastics by composting toilets and using biodiesel generators. Additionally, the event purchases food locally, reduces its carbon emissions by promoting public transportation use by attendees, and has implemented an on-site recycling plant.

However, for every Coachella or Glastonbury, there are multiple festivals with unsustainable practices. The primary culprits are single-use plastics, water waste, and energy consumption. For example, Burning Man, despite its self-proclaimed environmentally conscious ethos, notoriously leaves behind tons of trash every year. Similarly, Electric Daisy Carnival, held in Las Vegas, is infamous for its excessive plastic usage and energy consumption.

One factor contributing to the disparity in sustainability efforts is government intervention. Depending on the festival's geographical location, government regulations vary. For example, some countries have a relatively lax stance on environmental regulations, making it easier for festivals to neglect sustainability.

Another contributing factor is attendee behavior. Though it is the festival's responsibility to reduce its environmental impact, attendees must also do their part. Many festivals prohibit single-use plastics, yet attendees often bring their own, creating a more considerable environmental impact.

To wrap it up, music festivals' sustainability in terms of environmental impact is a complex issue that is not black or white. Though many festivals have made significant strides towards sustainability, there are still plenty of festivals that have a long way to go. Government intervention and attendee behavior are two critical factors that can determine the degree to which festivals prioritize sustainability. Regardless, as members of the music festival community, we should do our part in reducing our environmental impact by practicing sustainable habits and making informed festival choices.