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Live Nation to ban single-use plastics from its festivals by 2021

The international events promoter has outlined a list of sustainability goals for its festivals...

Live Nation have pledged that five of the biggest UK festivals will go plastic-free by 2021.

The international promoter have confirmed Download, Latitude, Leeds, Reading and Wireless festivals will all have the single-use plastic ban in place by 2021, with a long-term goal of making all Live Nation venues, clubs and concert halls zero-waste by 2030.

The ban was shared in Live Nation's collaborative effort with Green Nation to produce sustainability goals for the future. Adding to the end of single-use plastics at festivals, Live Nation also plan to implement a 50% reduction in scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, source renewable energy and aim for Live Nation offices to be zero waste, as well as the venues. 

“Hosting over 35,000 concerts and festivals each year, Live Nation has the opportunity and responsibility to provide our artists and fans with a live music experience that protects our planet,” said Michael Rapino, CEO of Live Nation Entertainment. “The adverse effects of climate change are undeniable, and we want to use our place on the world stage to be part of the solution. Together our concerts, venues, festivals, and offices around the world are setting new sustainability standards for live events.”

Among the items to be banned from Live Nation festivals are glitter and cable ties, as well as single-use plastic drinks bottles, straws and toiletries.

Plastic bottles were banned at this year's Glastonbury festival, and 99.3% of attendees took their tents home, making 2019 the greenest Glastonbury on record.

Read DJ Mag's feature on the problem with single-use plastics in clubs