How to have a sustainable festival season
How to have a sustainable Edinburgh festival season
Discover our top tips on how to have a sustainable Edinburgh festivals experience this summer.
Edinburgh’s festivals draw crowds from across the globe every summer. The events - such as the Edinburgh Festival Fringe and Edinburgh International Festival - are brilliant platforms for both well-known and up-and-coming artists, and offer a chance for audiences to discover fresh, new talent as well as seeing more established stars.
But with so many people in one place, it’s no surprise the festival can generate a lot of waste - from flyers and tickets to single-use cups, plates and bottles. The good news? With a few simple changes, you can enjoy the festivals while saving energy and reducing your impact on the environment.
Here’s our tips on how to have a greener festival and help protect Edinburgh’s heritage and environment for future generations.
Save energy at your accommodation
If you’re staying in Edinburgh overnight, try to book eco-friendly accommodation - look for hotels and guest houses with green certifications or places with a sustainability policy.
Remember to turn off lights and electronics when you’re not using them, and don’t leave the hotel TV on standby. If your hotel room has a thermostat, consider lowering its temperature when you’re out or sleeping. Keep your showers short to save water, and if you’re staying for a few nights, reuse towels rather than asking for clean ones every day.
Choose greener ways to travel to Edinburgh
Transport emissions are a major contributor to climate change. Where possible, choose greener ways to travel to and from Edinburgh. Trains are a great option with Waverley and Haymarket train stations both located in the city centre.
Travel from show to show using Edinburgh’s great public transport network like the Lothian Buses, tram, or you could even opt to hire cycles. Edinburgh is also a very walkable city, so you could sightsee as you walk between performances.
Use reusable bottles and cut paper waste
Bring a reusable water bottle to cut down on plastic waste. The Refill App shows you where you can fill up your bottle for free around the city. Instead of collecting show flyers, take photos of the ones that interest you; it saves paper and reduces litter. Many venues also have clear recycling bins, so be sure to separate your waste properly when you do need to dispose of something.
Eat and drink sustainably between shows
Support local food vendors using seasonal, plant-based or organic ingredients. Many stalls are happy to serve you in your own reusable containers, helping to reduce single-use packaging. You can also bring your own cutlery or ask for compostable options when you order.
Shop second-hand or support sustainable stalls
Shopping sustainably at the festivals is easy. Look out for vintage clothes, upcycled goods or handmade items created from recycled materials. It’s a great way to support local makers and reduce waste. Pop-up markets and stalls across the city offer one-of-a-kind finds that are kind to the planet too.
We're here to help
For free, personalised advice on how to save energy and money at home, contact our friendly advisors at Home Energy Scotland on 0808 808 2282. You can also contact us by email or WhatsApp – we’re happy to support you in making small changes that make a big difference.
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