The environmental impact of music festivals can be devastating, as fields are littered with plastic cups, tents and general chaos. But this year, Glastonbury organisers are introducing some imaginative new methods in attempts to reduce the festival’s environmental impact.

In the most innovative plan, 10 tonnes of plastic is being sourced from beaches, streets and parks in Cornwall, Devon and Somerset to build the ‘Gas Tower’ arena in the festival’s iconic Shangri-La area.

The festival has also introduced a new rule banning the sale of plastic bottles at the festival this year – saving a colossal amount of plastic.

To build the Gas Tower, plastic waste is being collected and processed by Exeter Council, after which it will be recycled into materials to build the stage.

The huge arena will feature big acts, including Subfocus and Bicep, at the festival which starts on June 26.

Environmental group Keep Britain Tidy are organising the build alongside Orca Sound Project and Shangri-La Glastonbury.

Keep Britain Tidy chief executive Allison Ogden-Newton said: “This ground-breaking project will see tonnes of plastic removed from our environment – where it has such devastating consequences on our wildlife and marine life – and put to good use.

“By working together, we are showing the world that the plastic we no longer want or need can be recycled and turned into something that is both exciting and useful.”

What do you think of the plan to build a stage out of recycled plastic? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Oli Gross

Oli’s career and personal ethical values both help shape his reporting of the diverse world of veganism. His background is in local newspaper and magazine journalism, and his work has included reporting court cases, celebrity interviews, business analysis, food and drink features and government legislation.

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