Transforming Habits: Moving Towards Eco-Friendly Alternatives

Biodegradable festival wristbands made from hemp © Plantjebantje

Items we use every day might be more harmful to the planet than we realize. However, many of them can be swapped for better alternatives, for example festival wristbands. While it might be too early to think about festival season, a growing number of innovators are showing that it is possible to do things differently without compromising the experience.

Festivals generate large amounts of waste that end up in landfills – much of it non-biodegradable. With millions of attendees each year, the impact of leftover trash on festival grounds highlights the need for more sustainable practices.

The environmental impact of festivals © Lena Brinkmann

Biodegradable wristbands for festivals

In a world where environmental concerns are becoming difficult to ignore, the company Plantjebantje is developing sustainable alternatives to traditional polyester festival wristbands. “It’s more about showing that it can also be done differently,” says Bert Venema from Plantjebantje. What makes their wristbands stand out? Their biodegradability. The hemp-based bands dissolve in soil within few years and come embedded with flower seeds. “Two to three years sounds long, but that is still 480 years shorter than plastic, and polyester is plastic,” says Bert.

However, creating an eco-friendly product comes with its challenges. “Our wristbands cost six times more than those from China, but they’re a conscious choice for companies truly committed to climate change,” says Bert. Despite the higher costs, he notices a growing amount of companies eager to explore alternatives to everyday materials that are less climate-friendly.

This shift in mindest could be supported by future EU regulations. In fact, members from Plantjebantje have already submitted a request to the Court of Justice of the European Union to classify festival wristbands and keycords as single-use plastic. “If Brussels categorizes festival cups and keycords under single-use plastic, demand for sustainable solutions could explode,” says Bert. However, he acknowledges that the process could take years, as he believes their request is not being prioritized.

Tradtional festival wristband made out of plastic © Lena Brinkmann

Festival-Goers Support Sustainable Changes

Meanwhile, regular festival-goers like Katharina Westermann are already embracing the change. “Years ago, the so-called green camping area at my favorite festival was still really silly. Now they've set up a proper area with a lot of workshops,” she says, also mentioning the quiet forest where people could relax, free from noise and smoke, respecting nature.

When it comes to eco-friendly alternatives, Katharina sees the value in more sustainable solutions, even if they come with a higher price tag. “I think some people also don’t throw them away but keep them as souvenir. That’s why I believe many would be willing to pay more for them,” she says.

The transition to sustainability may be gradual, but the message is clear: greener alternatives to conventional practices are not only possible but necessary. While the initial costs may be higher, the long-term environmental benefits make them a wise investment. “It’s not just about making a profit – it’s about showing the world that there’s another way,” Bert says. With sustainable solutions within reach, it is time to embrace them.