Festival bans plastic bottles

The Hebridean Celtic Festival is banning single-use plastics this year as it steps up a drive to make the event as environmentally-friendly as possible.

The action is the latest in a series of pioneering green initiatives adopted by the event and has won support from the Scottish Government which has urged other events to follow the festival’s lead.

HebCelt banned plastic straws four years ago and in 2015 introduced re-usable, eco-cups in on-site bars to cut down on plastic waste.

Caterers at this year’s event have been asked to serve soft drinks in paper cups and continue to use 100% biodegradable plates and cutlery which can be composted with organic waste.

The festival will also increase the number of ‘hydration stations’ on the site, where tap water is available, supply free, bio-degradable paper cups and encourage festival-goers to use re-usable water bottles.

In addition, artists, volunteers and crew will be supplied with free water bottles to avoid the need to bring in supplies of bottled water.

HebCelt director Caroline Maclennan said: “The extra measures introduced this year will not only reduce the amount of plastic being processed but will also help to keep the site clear of litter and therefore more pleasant for festival-goers.”

Festival bans plastic bottles

14 March 2018