Every summer since 1970, music enthusiasts from across the globe have converged on the picturesque countryside town of Glastonbury. While this quaint Somerset village largely goes unnoticed for most of the year, come summer it’s the ultimate destination for both music fans and pagans alike as Glastonbury Tor forms the heart of many summer solstice celebrations. Glastonbury Festival is, of course, renowned for its stellar line-up and vibrant atmosphere. But, in attracting such a massive crowd, many of whom have racked up their carbon footprint by travelling long-distance to get to the site, the festival has garnered attention for its significant environmental impact. 

Preparing for Glastonbury

If you’re one of the lucky 210,000 people to have snagged a ticket for 2024’s event then you’re probably already deep in the preparation stage — after all, there’s less than three months to go before the Pyramid Stage opens! You’re probably playing the latest releases from your top artists on repeat or getting your survival kit ready. You might even be the type to take planning for the festival to the ultimate degree by putting together an itinerary for each of the five days, identifying ways to pass the time between acts like playing music-themed online slots or mobile games, or making a list of the best podcasts to listen to in order to get the full festival gossip. An important part of your visit to Glastonbury, however, is understanding your environmental footprint. 

After all, Glastonbury Festival is unlike any other in the British music calendar. The sprawling festival grounds at Worthy Farm span over 900 acres and host a multitude of stages, food vendors and composites — and that’s to say nothing of the resources involved in flying in major stars like LCD Soundsystem, Cyndi Lauper and PJ Harvey. It’s essentially a temporary city that’s both constructed and disappears within a matter of weeks, but it never leaves a substantial mark on the environment in this South West town. 

Environmental Challenges 

It’s no secret that local residents in the town of Glastonbury have mixed feelings about the festival and its environmental impact. 

While many welcome the cultural significance it has assigned to the area during the decades and are delighted at the economic opportunities — just last year festival attendees reportedly spent £1.6 million in the Somerset community, with 50% being spent in local shops and supermarkets — others express concerns about traffic congestion, noise pollution and the strain on local resources. Moreover, the environmental degradation that has been caused by the festival in the past has raised questions about its long-term sustainability, particularly when viewed in conjunction with the town’s ethos of environmental stewardship.

One of the primary environmental concerns about Glastonbury Festival is the waste that’s generated during each annual event. With attendees consuming vast quantities of food and beverages over the festival’s duration, the volume of single-use plastics and packaging becomes staggering. In 2019 alone, approximately 1.3 million plastic bottles were used at the festival, contributing to the growing global plastic pollution crisis in turn. 

What’s more, the aftermath of the festival has seen several discarded tents, as well as campaign equipment and other non-biodegradable items left behind by attendees. Despite efforts by the festival organisers to facilitate responsible camping and waste disposal, many festival-goers sadly opt for convenience over sustainability, exacerbating the festival’s environmental footprint.

Achieving a More Sustainable Approach 

In recent years, though, and in response to mounting environmental pressure and concerns, the organisers of Glastonbury Festival have implemented various initiatives to reduce its effects on the local wildlife and ecology. Significant strides have been made towards sustainability, including the introduction of reusable cups and water refill stations to keep plastic waste to minimal levels. Additionally, the festival has partnered with a number of environmental and eco-conscious organisations to promote eco-friendly practices and raise awareness about environmental issues among attendees. 

One notable initiative is the Love Worthy Farm, Leave No Trace campaign, which encourages attendees to take responsibility for their waste and minimise their environmental impact by signing an official pledge when purchasing their tickets. The campaign also provides resources and guidance on things like sustainable camping practices, waste reduction, and recycling, helping to foster a culture of environmental consciousness among festival-goers before they even step foot on the site. 

Furthermore, Glastonbury Festival has committed to carbon offsetting measures to mitigate its greenhouse gas emissions. By investing in renewable energy projects and reforestation efforts, the festival remains committed to balancing out its environmental impact and contributing to global climate action.