Sustain the Groove: Your 2024 Festival Guide!
Festival Season is over in Ireland, but like us, you’re probably thinking of next year already!
This week’s #SimpleActions article is looking into the future to show how you can #PlanAheadAndPrepare for next year’s festival season to make it more sustainable for the planet, and your pocket:
1. Reduce by Reusing
Sometimes after a festival, we might look at our camping gear and think it’s worn out or too dirty to reuse. But cleaning and repairing is often really easy!
- Sleeping Bags:
Sleeping bags are easy to wash: check what kind of insulation is in yours – it can be synthetic or down (down just requires a little extra care, but can be extra warm). The main thing to remember is to use non-bio detergents on a delicate cycle. Avoid fabric softeners or other additives. Read a full sleeping bag wash guide here! - Rain coats:
Going to a festival in Ireland means preparing for the rain. When it comes to rain jackets, did you know you can re-waterproof them? There are specific liquid detergents you can get to wash your jacket with, that will both clean and reinforce the waterproofing layer! Read a full waterproof jacket washing guide here. Which is something you can also do for your tent! Speaking of which …. - Tents:
Did you loose some of the tent pegs when packing up, or have a pole snap during all the excitement? Both can be replaced! If you head into your local outdoor shop, you can find extra tent poles in any camping section.Depending on your tent brand, spare parts can also be ordered like poles, the outer rain-fly layer, and footprints (aka ground mats) to protect the bottom of your tent! If you want a tent that you can reuse and repair for festivals far into the future, your best bet is to …
2. Use end of season sales to invest!
Investing in good, long lasting items can save us so much in the long run. While the memories are fresh, write down what equipment or clothes really worked for you this year, and what you might want to change for next time. This might mean saving up for next year, or scouting the end-of-season sales! A good tent never goes out of style, and the secret to a goods night sleep is actually having a sleeping mat, not necessarily a warmer sleeping bag.
This month is also #SecondHandSeptember – now’s a great time to hit up your local charity shops (or places like Depop) and see what pre-loved items can become your new firm favourites. Things we always scout for include water bottles, wellies (who said you needed a matching pair?), waterproof layers and old reusable outdoor cups and plates for a build-your-own camping set!
Our festivals deserve the same respect we show to all outdoor spaces, so our final tip is to try out all your equipment at home before the big weekend – this way, you’ll know how to pack and unpack everything, and it’ll be so much easier to leave your campsite looking perfect!
Planning Ahead makes our future adventures all the more exciting, and makes it easier for us to #LeaveNoTrace
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Previous #SimpleActions articles include:
