Meghan Hodges
Music festivals are a source of joy for many, but they also have a significant environmental impact. While EDM festivals are a bastion for electronic music lovers, they are not without their adverse effects on the planet. The most visible impact is the vast amount of waste generated, with major festivals producing over 100 tons of garbage daily. However, the largest source of emissions is attendee travel, accounting for up to 80% of total festival emissions. This, coupled with the emissions from artists, contractors, and vendors, results in a substantial carbon footprint. Noise pollution is another concern, with music festivals averaging 100 decibels, which can negatively impact both human health and local wildlife. With the environmental stakes so high, it is essential to consider ways to reduce the carbon footprint of EDM festivals and encourage sustainable practices within the industry.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Main source of emissions | Attendee travel, especially in the UK |
| Example | In the UK, attendee travel emissions constitute 80% of total festival emissions, totaling over 78,000 metric tons of CO2 |
| Example | In 2015, the Shambala Festival in British Columbia, Canada, found that emissions from contractors and artists roughly doubled the amount of travel emissions |
| Total emissions | Can be equivalent to that of a moderately-sized city |
| Example | Glastonbury 2011, with 135,000 attendees, could be considered the UK's 32nd largest city at the time |
| Tent usage | Plastic tents can lead to the development of organochlorines, toxic chemicals that are resistant to breakdown |
| Dioxins, by-products of PVC, are pollutants that can accumulate in the food chain, particularly in the fatty tissue of animals | |
| Noise pollution | Concerts and music festivals average about 100 decibels, which can impact human and wildlife health |
| Noise pollution can cause hypertension, high stress levels, tinnitus, hearing loss, sleep disturbances, and other harmful effects | |
| Waste | Festivals produce an incredible amount of waste, with overflowing trash bins and garbage on the ground |
| Example | Major music festivals like Coachella generate an average of 106 tons of waste per day |
Travel emissions
In the UK, it is estimated that attendee travel emissions constitute 80% of total festival emissions, amounting to over 78,000 metric tons of CO2. This is equivalent to driving an average vehicle for 190,709,046 miles, which is an astonishing figure. The Shambala Festival in British Columbia, Canada, in 2015, found that emissions from contractors and artists roughly doubled the overall travel emissions.
The impact of travel emissions from festivals is not limited to carbon dioxide output. Noise pollution, a form of sound pollution, is also a significant concern. Concerts and festivals tend to be loud, averaging about 100 decibels, and they often take place in remote, natural locations. This noise pollution can negatively impact local wildlife, interfering with communication and breeding cycles and even leading to death in some cases. For humans, exposure to noise pollution can have adverse physical and psychological effects, including headaches, increased anxiety, sleep disturbances, and impacts on memory capability.
The environmental impact of travel emissions from EDM festivals is significant, and it is important for festival organizers, attendees, and artists to consider ways to reduce their carbon footprint. This may include encouraging carpooling, providing incentives for using public transportation, or even exploring virtual attendance options to reduce the overall number of people travelling to the festival site.
While travel emissions are a notable contributor to the environmental impact of EDM festivals, it is worth noting that waste generation and other forms of pollution, such as chemical pollution from plastic tents, also play a significant role in the overall environmental footprint of these events.
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Festival waste
Music festivals produce a large amount of waste. For example, in 2019, approximately 875,000 plastic cups were discarded at a single major music festival in the UK. Festival-goers in the UK collectively discard around 1.3 million food containers and over 2 million plastic bottles during the festival season. It is estimated that 250,000 tents are abandoned at festivals across the UK each year, generating 900 tonnes of waste that cannot be recycled or repurposed.
To improve waste management, festival organisers can provide a substantial number of recycling bins and waste containers throughout the festival grounds. For example, Glastonbury has introduced eco-cups and bottle refill stations to reduce single-use plastic waste. Festival-goers are encouraged to use reusable cups and refill their water bottles.
Additionally, vendors should understand their clean-up responsibilities and leave no trace at their location. Working with a waste removal company can also help ensure convenient and well-managed waste containers and removal.
While individual behaviour change is important, such as no longer using plastic glitter or glow sticks, and cleaning up one's tent, industry transformation is also essential. This includes putting responsibilities back onto producers and enabling systemic solutions.
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Noise pollution
Music festivals, including EDM festivals, can cause noise pollution. Noise pollution is excessive, unnatural noise in the environment that may negatively impact humans or local wildlife. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), noise becomes harmful above 75 decibels, and any noise above 65 decibels can be classified as noise pollution. Concerts and music festivals are loud, averaging about 100 decibels, and festivals tend to take place in remote, natural locations.
The noise pollution produced by concerts and music festivals has been shown to impact local wildlife, interfering with communication, impacting breeding cycles, and, in some cases, even leading to death. In terms of humans, noise pollution can have adverse physical and psychological effects, such as headaches, increased anxiety, hypertension, high stress levels, tinnitus, hearing loss, and sleep disturbances. It can also impact people's memory capability and sleep patterns.
In addition to noise pollution, EDM festivals also contribute to air pollution through attendee travel, which is the largest source of emissions from music festivals. In the UK, it is estimated that attendee travel emissions constitute 80% of total festival emissions, totaling over 78,000 metric tons of CO2. Travel by fans to festivals and concerts can account for a large portion of the overall carbon emissions, and artists may also fly in on private jets, which are the most polluting form of transportation.
To reduce the environmental impact of EDM festivals, individuals can change their behavior, such as no longer using plastic glitter or glow sticks, and cleaning up their tents. Additionally, individuals can choose not to patronize festivals that do not take steps to reduce their environmental impact, such as regulating waste-producing products available for purchase or providing recyclable alternatives to single-use plastic.
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Chemical pollution
EDM festivals, like all music festivals, have a significant impact on the environment. While most discussions on festival-related pollution focus on waste, noise, and carbon emissions, chemical pollution is also a serious issue.
One of the main sources of chemical pollution at EDM festivals is tent usage. Many attendees choose to sleep in plastic tents, which can contain polyvinyl chloride (PVC). PVC can lead to the development of organochlorines, toxic chemicals that are resistant to breakdown. These chemicals can accumulate in the ecosystem and end up in the bodies of humans and animals, posing health risks such as increased cancer risk and decreased fertility. In addition, the synthesis of PVC produces dioxins, which are highly persistent environmental pollutants. Dioxins can accumulate in the food chain, particularly in the fatty tissue of animals, and have been linked to adverse health effects in humans, including increased cancer risk.
Another source of chemical pollution at EDM festivals is transportation. Fans travel from all over to attend these festivals, and their vehicles can release harmful chemicals into the atmosphere. In addition, artists and their crews may fly in on private jets, which are a significant source of pollution. The various vehicles used to transport stages, props, and outfits to the festival site can also contribute to chemical emissions.
Addressing Chemical Pollution
It is important to recognize that while individual actions may seem insignificant, they can collectively make a substantial impact. Festival-goers can opt for more environmentally friendly alternatives to plastic tents, such as canvas or biodegradable options. Additionally, choosing more sustainable means of transportation, such as carpooling or public transport, can help reduce chemical emissions.
On a larger scale, festival organizers can implement measures to reduce chemical pollution. This includes encouraging sustainable travel options for attendees and artists, as well as regulating the use of plastic and other environmentally harmful materials on-site. Some festivals, like Glastonbury, have pledged to ban the sale of plastic water bottles and switch to selling beverages in recyclable cans.
By addressing chemical pollution, along with other forms of environmental impact, EDM festivals can become more sustainable and reduce their ecological footprint.
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Plastic tents
The use of plastic tents at music festivals has been a significant contributor to plastic pollution. Festival-goers often abandon their tents at the end of the event, leading to a substantial amount of plastic waste. In the UK, an estimated 250,000 tents are left behind at music festivals annually, amounting to approximately 875 tonnes of plastic waste. This issue has been exacerbated by the perception that these abandoned tents will be donated to charities, when, in reality, most of them end up in landfills.
To address this problem, organisations like the Association of Independent Festivals (AIF) have advocated for a ban on single-use tents and urged retailers to discontinue marketing and selling tents as disposable items. Their “Drastic on Plastic" campaign aims to eliminate single-use plastic from festival sites. Some festivals, like Glastonbury, have also implemented initiatives to reduce plastic waste, with a site-wide ban on plastic drink bottles and the promotion of reusable alternatives.
The environmental impact of plastic tents extends beyond waste management. The chemicals used to make these tents water-repellent, such as polyurethane and PFAS, are highly toxic and persistent in the environment. These chemicals can accumulate in ecosystems and pose risks to human and animal health, including potential liver damage, thyroid disease, fertility issues, and cancer.
As an alternative, cotton canvas tents offer improved breathability, insulation, and biodegradability compared to plastic tents. While traditional canvas tents are heavier and less water-resistant, they cater to a growing market of eco-conscious consumers who seek more sustainable options for their outdoor experiences.
Overall, the use of plastic tents at music festivals has far-reaching consequences for the environment. By transitioning to more sustainable alternatives and promoting responsible waste management practices, festival organisers and attendees can significantly reduce the pollution associated with plastic tents.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, EDM festivals pollute the air through emissions, waste, and noise.
Travel to and from EDM festivals can account for a large portion of the overall carbon emissions. In the UK, attendee travel emissions constitute 80% of total festival emissions, with similar patterns seen in other countries.
EDM festivals can produce a significant amount of waste, with major festivals generating an average of 106 tons of waste per day. This waste includes plastic tents, which can release toxic chemicals into the ecosystem. Additionally, the noise levels at EDM festivals can reach 100 decibels, causing noise pollution that impacts both local wildlife and human health.
The emissions, waste, and greenhouse gases produced by EDM festivals can be equivalent to those of a moderately-sized city. For example, Glastonbury 2011, with 135,000 attendees, could be considered the UK's 32nd largest city at the time.
Individuals can make a difference by changing their behavior, such as avoiding plastic glitter and glow sticks, and choosing festivals that prioritize sustainability. Additionally, festivals can implement waste reduction strategies, such as regulating the sale of plastic water bottles and providing condiments in bulk containers.
