As we rapidly approach one of the best weekends of the year, a lot of Coachella attendees both newbies and veterans alike will start the time-consuming task of jam-packing their caravan of cars with all the festival essentials.
With such a job as packing, it might seem like eco-consciousness goes out the window. But that does not have to be the case! In fact, sustainable packing is smarter packing, saving vital time, energy, and money while also helping the planet in the process.
So whether you're eco-freaks like us or a spring chicken to the realm of environmental consciousness, check out our sustainable survival kit so you have pack smarter this Coachella.
There are lots of easy ways to cut down on your plastic footprint this upcoming Coachella. If you're in a rush these days leading up to the weekend, try incorporating a few of these quick steps into your packing plan-of-action.
> If you're flying, buy your carbon offset too! When buying your plane ticket, check to see if your airline has a carbon offset option. Many airlines offer a carbon offset calculators and add-on options, a quick and cheap way to help neutralize your impact. If you already bought your plane ticket, try searching for where you can purchase carbon offsets in bulk or individual basis!
> Not flying? Great! Camping? Even better! Grab a few friends and carpool into the festival. Travel with 4 or more passengers in your car, slap on a Carpoolchella insignia, and not only are you helping minimize your footprint but you also have the chance to win awesome prizes, like backstage tickets or even VIP-for-Life!
> If camping isn't your style, then purchase a Coachella shuttle pass. Not only does this save you money on those uber surcharges, but this is an easy way to cut down on your footprint.
> Bring your own non-plastic, reusable water bottles and save money by using the Water Refill stations throughout the camping and festival grounds!
> If you end up buying a single-use plastic water bottle, bring it to our Recycling Store to exchange for points! If you and your friends collect 10 recyclable bottles (even if you find empty ones lying around the grounds and nab em) and bring them to us, you can exchange ten for a new ice cold water (through our 10-For-1 Bottle Exchange).
If you're a weekend two-goer, you still have some time to express ship yourself some sustainable goodies. But the best option is most definitely to thrift!
Not only is thrifting becoming an increasingly popular way to find those back-in vintagefinds, but it can save you a ton of moolah while giving old clothes new life! Most thrift stores only resell new or lightly worn clothing (all for cheap prices). Plus, did we mention its cheap? Festival weekends can get expensive, so trying to save money where you can is crucial.
Being comfy is KEY when it comes to living your best life at Coachella, especially with what you wear on your feet!
There's plenty of sustainable shoes that will keep your dancing feet comfy all weekend. Many shoe brands are revolutionizing the shoe game by cutting out bad environmental and labor practices, so double check your favorite brands' practices before buying.
Being eco-friendly doesn't mean you have to show up plain jane. If you want to spice up your outfit with some accessories, check out the following sustainable picks!
> Biodegradable glitter: Glitter is awesome. No doubts about that! But when the plastic flakes shed, they don't decompose into the ground for hundreds of years. For that reason, we encourage you to use a biodegradable option that shines just as bright without harming the planet!
> Bamboo sunglasses: Protect your vision and the planet by opting for bamboo lenses! Sunnies are a necessity when it comes to thriving in the desert heat.
> Hemp fanny-pack: Around the waist packs are the perfect way to stay hands-free while you dance the night away on the festival grounds. Opt for a hemp fanny pack and cut out all the extra stress of worrying about holding your possessions.
> Hand fan: Stay cool in the crowded Sahara tent with a wooden fan. Try supporting an artist and shop on Etsy or buy one from a vendor on-site.
> Reusable water bottles! Save money and plastic by opting for a reusable option, whether it be a water backpack or something more hand-held. Just don't forget, metal or glass containers aren't allowed inside the festival grounds!
> Bamboo utensils are a MUST. Whether you're eating at the campsite or enjoying some yummy from one of the gourmet food stands, an easy way to cut down on your plastic waste is to carry reusable utensils.
> Silicone or beeswax earplugs are a great asset to protect your hearing. Bustle outlines a few different options, all reusable silicon, that work the best to protect your ears while steering down a more eco-friendly route.
> Bamboo toothbrushes also are a cheap way to eliminate plastic in your life. Toothbrushes remain an abundant source of plastic pollution in our oceans so finding a biodegradable option is a great way to phase out those plastic ones.
> Bring some non-aerosol, non-toxic sunscreen with you to protect your skin from all the harsh sun rays. Your skin deserves protection! You can find many kinds at a drug store near you.
> Other nifty options to reduce waste are solar camping showers (avoid the shower lines too!), reusable hand towels, and non-toxic hand sanitizer (believe me, you'll want this!).