Green Tips for an Eco-Friendly Concert Go-er
1. Green your Sunscreen!!
Sunscreen is key for any concert goer, regardless of complexion. Look for a sunscreen without animal
ingredients, artificial colors, unnecessary chemicals, not tested on animals, 100 percent biodegradable, and
paraben free. Here’s a
link to a site that’s tested some well known eco- sunscreens!
2. Single use is so 1990
The next big “must-have” for any concert goer is water! Check out the “13 reasons not to drink bottled water”
container!
*Filling up your bottle and freezing it the night before means cold water all day!
Note re-using plastic water bottles can cause leaching of carcinogenic and toxic chemicals, especially in the heat
3. Litter-less Lunch
It’s hard to bring re-usable containers when you don’t want to lug them around all day, but instead of using
plastic wrap or a Ziploc bag, try wrapping your sandwich/snacks in some 100% recycled paper towels. Instead of
relying on packaged snacks like rice krispies or granola bars, make your own, save money and packaging. Think
about investing in a
Wrap-n-Mat, and of course, try and choose local and organic foods
4. Say No to useless give-aways
Just because it’s free doesn’t mean you need or even want it! When someone offers you something, think about whether you will actually use it, or if it’s just going to end up in the garbage. If the supplier finds they have lots of
leftovers this year , perhaps they will order & distribute less next year!
5. Take public transportation or carpool
With thousands of concert goers, all the CO2 emissions have a pretty big impact. Lighten your footprint by
carpooling with your friends, take the train, bus, bike or walk – save on those parking fees too!
6. Bring a Re-usable Bag
Say “no thanks” to plastic bags. A light backpack or re-usable bag is key! You can also use your bag to pick up any
litter left by those not so green concert goers too!
7. Don’t be a litterbug
Hopefully there will be garbage and recycling bins within walking distance wherever you go, but if not, hold on
to your trash until you come across a bin. You don’t want to give your litter the chance to blow away and
possibly get into our watershed or harm wildlife!
8. Ash in an Ashtray
Cigarette butts add up to a lot of needless waste in our communities. They’re not often picked up by clean-up
crews and are eventually washed into our watershed. Marine Biologists have found all sorts of species or marine
animals, Sea Turtles for example, that have actually died from nicotine poisoning from ingesting cigarette butts
!So, if you must smoke, butt out responsibly.
9. Dress for the Weather
You can reduce your impact on the planet right down to what your wearing. Try looking for Canadian made,
organic cotton or bamboo clothing. In 2007, regular cotton made up 16% of the worlds pesticide use!
10. Use your Voice!
…and lead by example. Being green can be contagious and our world needs all the people it can to really make a
difference. If someone offers you a non-biodegradable, non-Green freebie, say no thanks! If someone offers you
something on a paper plate (even worse, Styrofoam!) ask for a napkin instead, or even go completely waste free
and don't take either. Fill out any survey by suggesting eco-tips. The more others learn about how they can go
green, the better off our planet will be.