Wanna know what sets the spirit of Bye Bye Plastic alight?
News that a wave of plastic-free change is happening!
In the wake of a landmark decision to fine the organisers of Tomorrowland for using disposable plastic cups at this year's event, hope is on the horizon for the plastic-free festivals of tomorrow.
The story
The name of the festival couldn't be more ironic. Why address an issue head on when it could just wait til tomorrow (land)?
Wellll, turns out some things are too urgent to wait until tomorrow: and in the face of environmental crime, the issue of plastics is finally being recognised as one of them.
Facing the fallout of the 2024 event (July 19th-28th), get ready for a twist in the tale at Tomorrowland!
Why? Because they opted to serve drinks in 3 million leftover disposable cups instead of adopting the reusable options mandated by Flanders’ regulations introduced in June 2023.
The cost: a financial penalty to the tune of €2 million.
These cups were already in stock for the 2023 and 2024 summers, based on previous regulations. The festival argued that making a complete switch to a system of reusable cups in 2024 would be environmentally detrimental.
This hints at just one of the setbacks faced by event organisers seeking plastic-free solutions.
This is the first time ever that the Single Use Plastic Directive has been applied to an event situation - throwing the events industry under scrutiny.
Why the big focus on cups? Beverage cups are one of 10 items being addressed by the directive - part of the EU's plan to lead the global fight against marine litter and plastic pollution.
Cotton bud sticks
Cutlery, plates, straws and stirrers
Balloons and sticks for balloons
Food containers
Cups for beverages
Beverage containers
Cigarette butts
Plastic bags
Packets and wrappers
Wet wipes and sanitary items
“Tomorrowland is a fantastic festival that is also a small multinational. With a name like that, you should be a champion of good environmental policy”
Zuhal Demir, Flemish Environment Minister
With a little bit of innovation, it's time to move full force towards a plastic-free music industry.
Where to begin? Enter deposit return schemes.
What's a deposit return scheme?
The beats are pounding, lights are cascading and the bar is electric with that unmistakable festival energy as you savour the last sip from your cup.
Just when you might (many moons ago 😉) have thought about tossing aside your single-use red solo cup, a little reminder hits you: I paid an extra $2 for this! And so you take it, back to the bar, ready to grab your next drink.
The ripple effects are almost as captivating as the beats themselves... putting a price on your cup gets you to think twice, which is exactly the kind of conscious consumption we need to dance towards a plastic-free future 🕺
PHA cups are one of the leading players in the dance towards circular event innovation - set to revolutionise the future of the #PlasticFreeParty!
Hope for the Plastic-Free Festivals of Tomorrow
The Tomorrowland case has brought to light that for event organisers, logistical concerns can create additional barriers to offering reusable cups.
But that is where Bye Bye Plastic can help.
Whether you're an artist looking to level up with our Eco-Rider, an event producer ready to mobilise your event's plastic-free transition or a music-lover searching for the best Sustainable Picks - we have all the tools to get you on board and take to the plastic-free skies 🚀
READY to be part of the plastic-free revolution?
The time to act is now.
Let's not wait until it's too late - as artists and event producers, we can build a new kind of music scene, without single-use plastics. Together, let's make a difference and create a cleaner, greener planet for everyone! 🌍✨
Music is the Connection, Collective Action is the Solution ✊
Kickstart your journey with our Plastic Quick Scan 🥤
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