As summer approaches, the excitement of attending festivals and events is in the air. Although event organizers are striving to minimize litter and embrace sustainability, it’s inevitable that trash tends to accumulate when large crowds gather. In the spirit of creating a cleaner Tennessee, TDOT encourages you to be a part of the solution and follow these 5 tips to reduce waste and make a positive impact while enjoying your favorite artists.
BYOB (Bring Your Own Bottle)
Bringing a reusable water bottle to the festival makes a huge impact on waste and your wallet. Most events provide water refill stations, allowing you to stay hydrated without generating unnecessary waste. By opting for a reusable bottle, you not only reduce litter but also help conserve resources, minimize plastic pollution and save a bunch of money!
BYOB2 (Bring Your Own Bag, too)
Bringing a backpack or a reusable bag not only helps you carry around all that merch and the reusable water bottle but allows you to adopt the “Leave No Trace” philosophy. By taking everything you brought with you back home, you ensure that the items are disposed of properly (trash, recycling, compost, etc.), but it also helps ensure that the event’s natural surroundings and local ecosystems are preserved for future enjoyment.
Don’t Leave the Tent
Leaving a tent behind at a festival is not only an irresponsible action but also has significant negative consequences for the environment. Tents are typically made of non-biodegradable materials that take hundreds of years to decompose, contributing to long-term pollution. Moreover, abandoned tents make the cleanup process more challenging and costly for event organizers. Instead of leaving it behind, pack it up and use it next time or donate it to charity.
Dispose of Waste Responsibly
If you do decide to dispose of your trash on site, make a conscious effort to locate designated containers. Most festivals provide convenient banks of recycling, trash, and compost bins for efficient waste management. By ensuring your items end up in the appropriate bins, you can have peace of mind knowing they will be handled correctly and responsibly after the festival.
Share the Love
You have the power to inspire change among your friends and fellow festival-goers. Encouraging others to join the movement and follow these tips reminds others to be mindful of their actions. What may seem like a small step in the moment can lead to a monumental shift in behavior and mindset.
By following these tips we can make a positive impact on litter prevention. Each action, from bringing our own bottle and bag to disposing of waste responsibly, contributes to a more sustainable and enjoyable festival environment, and makes a huge impact on the environment in general. Gather the crew and make sure Nobody Trashes Tennessee this summer!
