Attending a Festival? Here's Your Essential Sustainable Packing Checklist
Festival Ticket: Securely pack your ticket to avoid any last-minute nightmares.
Bank Cards and Cash: Carry some cash in case card payments aren't available.
Tent: Invest in a durable, weatherproof tent and practice setting it up at home.
Sleeping Bag: Stay warm with a reliable sleeping bag that wicks away moisture.
Self-Inflating Roll Mat: Opt for a lightweight roll mat that inflates on its own.
Proper Rucksack: Choose a sturdy backpack to comfortably carry your gear.
Reusable Water Bottles: Stay hydrated and eco-friendly with reusable bottles. Most festivals have refilling stations and have banned single use plastic bottles.
Sturdy Trolley: Consider bringing a trolley to transport your belongings.
Camping Chair: Ensure comfortable seating with a quality camping chair.
ID/Proof of Age: Bring identification for age-restricted purchases.
Footwear: Opt for walking boots and pack wellies if needed. No one will be looking at your feet! Stay comfy.
Clothing: Pack enough underwear, jeans, shorts, and tops for the duration of the festival. Consider a bum bag or money belt if you lack pockets. Don't forget a waterproof coat, jumpers or hoodies for cooler nights, a hat, and sunglasses.
Gadgets and Technology: Bring a power bank with sufficient capacity to keep your phone charged throughout the festival. Consider taking a spare smartphone or cheap "dumbphone" if needed. Carry a torch or lantern for navigating in the dark.
Toiletries and Hygiene: Pack washable items (no disposable wipes – even biodegradable ones). Even biodegradable wipes can quickly break up into microplastics. Some festivals ask that you don’t even bring plant-based wipes as they still give off greenhouse gases when they break down. Bring a small towel or washcloth instead and essential toiletries. Don't forget essentials like suncream, bamboo toothbrush, toothpaste, toilet roll, deodorant, hand sanitiser, a plant-based pot of Intensive Skin Recovery Cream for any scratches or insect bites/stings and a basic first aid kit.
Miscellaneous Items: Duct tape for any repairs (saving you buying another tent), reusable carrier bags, blankets, and earplugs can be useful.
Remember to avoid non-biodegradable glitter, disposable wipes, and glass items to protect the environment. Enjoy your festival while minimizing your impact! Do not take anything you can’t take home again!
A note on non-biodegradable glitter
Glitter is really bad for the environment. It’s a microplastic, just like those beads they had in shower gel until it got banned. Plant-based alternatives are available, but some of these are still harmful to the festival environment, so buy carefully, if at all.
