Must haves for eco-friendly festival goers!
After the kick-off of Glastonbury recently, it’s official – festival season is well and truly upon us. With hundreds of different festivals taking place in fields, on beaches, and in cities across the country during the summer months, you might already be compiling a list of your “must attend” events.
Camping out in a field for a few days, can be challenging at the best of times but if you are someone who lives an eco-conscious lifestyle, it can be even more difficult to stick to your principles. Single-use plastics, hygiene issues, and even glitter- there are a whole range of things you need to consider before you pack up your bag and head off into the musical wilderness of festival land.
Luckily, we are here to help! With environmental sensibilities close to our heart and due consideration given to practicality and necessity, here is our guide to festivalling in 2019, the eco-friendly way!
Eco Glitter
Ok first things first- the seasoned festival goers amongst us will know that you haven’t had a real festival experience unless you are finding bits of glitter in random places for at least three weeks
after you get home. The problem is that normal glitter is an environmental hazard. Whilst it might be sparkly and beautiful, the truth is that glitter is a microplastic and contributes towards a devastating impact on the environment. When you wash it off your skin and hair, it enters the waterways, eventually ending up in the ocean and being devoured by plankton, fish, and even birds. Research has also shown that PET, the plastic that most glitter is made from, can even release dangerous chemicals that can interfere with human and animal hormones.
But do not fear- you can still sparkle with biodegrade glitter. Eco Glitter Fun’s range of glitter is made with cellulose film and is certified as biodegradable. It comes in glass and metal (recyclable) packaging and is totally safe for use on the face, body and hair. We stock three different varieties– Pinky, Sky, and Metallics, so whatever the theme of your festival get up, we have got you (quite literally) covered (in glitter).
Toothy Tabs
When you spend four days in a field, things can get a little funky on the personal hygiene side but luckily for you and those around you, fresh breath isn’t something you need to forgo. Get your hands on some deliciously refreshing toothpaste tablets from Denttabs– all you need is your tab and your bamboo toothbrush and you can brush away to your heart’s content. Pop one of these in your mouth and chew your way to a practical, plastic free, sustainable, and effective alternative to the more traditional type of toothpaste you buy at the supermarket.
Deodorant
With all that raving, dancing, and revelling, pongy pits is something that can befall even the most sweet-smelling amongst us. Instead of resorting to aerosol sprays and roll on deodorants in plastic bottles- why not check out an awesome plastic-free alternative instead? These super deo sticks from Biork come in sustainable cork packaging and are made from 100% natural ingredients. Great for those with sensitive skin, it is made from potassium crystal which forms a protective layer on your skin, inhibiting the growth of odour-causing bacteria. In other words, slather it on and dance the night away, safe in the knowledge that you will smell good, whilst not contributing to landfill waste.
Food and Drink
Many festivals are becoming savvier about their target audience and are forgoing single use plastic cups and containers. But you can take things one step further and bring your own containers to reduce the amount of packaging that you use. For example, bring one of these super stylish bottles with you
to carry around your water (or booze) whilst keeping it cold. Find places where you can fill it up when it is empty, instead of resorting to plastic or glass bottles to quench your thirst. Also consider packing some of these bento bags, snack bags, and a lunchbox so when you go on the hunt for sustenance, you can present them with your BYO box instead.
Skin and Haircare
So the chances are you are not going to be washing and blow drying your hair whilst in the middle of the countryside in Hampshire, but that doesn’t mean your hair has to go to the dogs. You can keep your tresses in line with these great plastic-free organic hair ties from Kooshoo and detangle with a bamboo hairbrush from Nature & My. Dry shampoo from Primal Suds is also a festival essential. Scented with citrusy fresh ingredients, it comes in different shades for different hair colours and is completely plastic free, vegan and natural. When it comes to skincare, it can be difficult to do your whole 10-step routine in the middle of nature, but one of these solid facial cleansers should do the job. Made in the South of France, they scrub, clean and cleanse your skin, whilst nourishing and keeping you oil free.
First Aid
Any avid festival goer knows that there are always risks associated with attending such fun-filled events- sunburn, mosquito bites, blisters, sprains- you name it! The key to negating these small
pitfalls is being prepared by making sure you have some eco friendly fixes packed away just in case. Biodegradable plastic-free plasters are a must have for blisters that inevitably form after spending most of the weekend on your feet- these bamboo beauties from Patch are just the ticket. This sumptuous salve from Fat and The Moon is laden with aloe vera and is great for treating sunburn (although you should be using sunscreen in the first place!). For aches, pains, rashes, and pesky insect bites, this soapnut salve with bergamot and rose from Living Naturally is just great- put it all over at the end of a long day for maximum effect.
