As festivals increasingly become more sustainable, it’s vital that disabled people are part of the picture. For me, there’s no climate justice without disability justice. Disabled people need to be included in the conversations about sustainability from the very beginning because when it comes to festivals, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach.
Sustainability policies, no matter how well-intentioned, can unconsciously exclude disabled people if their needs aren’t factored in from the start. Ensuring your event’s environmental goals are inclusive is not just about accommodation; it’s a necessity for creating a truly accessible, welcoming, and just space.
Consider the impact of sustainable practices on disabled attendees. Many common eco-friendly policies – such as promoting public transport, banning plastic, or limiting on-site vehicle access – can inadvertently create barriers. For instance, while encouraging public transportation can reduce emissions, many disabled people rely on private, accessible vehicles due to limited accessible public transit.
Disabled people need to be included in the conversations about sustainability from the very beginning
Blanket bans on plastic often ignore the fact that some disabled people need single-use items like plastic straws and certain medical supplies that have no sustainable alternatives. Rather than viewing these needs as obstacles, festival organisers should see them as opportunities to innovate sustainable practices that include everyone.
Accessibility within eco-friendly initiatives is possible with a few adjustments and thoughtful planning. Cheltenham Festivals, in the UK, has created an accessible facilities “bank,” allowing local events to share resources like accessible toilets, ramps, and other necessary equipment. By sharing resources, festivals reduce the environmental impact of sourcing and shipping new materials, while also ensuring these resources are readily available for disabled attendees.
Accessibility within eco-friendly initiatives is possible with a few adjustments and thoughtful planning
To reduce plastic waste, many festivals now rely on water refill stations, but these are often positioned at heights that wheelchair users or people with limited reach can’t easily access. Providing refill stations at multiple heights and in accessible locations ensures that all guests can stay hydrated without needing single-use plastic bottles. Similarly, waste disposal can be designed with disabled attendees in mind. Adding recycling bins, compost bins, and water refill stations to viewing platforms or accessible camping sites means these areas remain inclusive and eco-friendly.
Accessible transportation options are also critical. While shuttle buses are eco-friendly for many attendees, accessible green transport is often limited, making it difficult for some disabled people to reach the event or move around the festival grounds. Investing in electric or hybrid shuttles with wheelchair access or allowing limited private vehicle access for those with mobility needs, can bridge this gap.
Food and drink options are another area where festivals can embrace inclusive sustainability. As more events shift towards plant-based and zero-waste dining, it’s important to remember that some disabled attendees have dietary needs that may not align with these options. Offering a range of food that includes items for people with sensory sensitivities or specific nutritional needs ensures that everyone can find something suitable without feeling excluded. This inclusivity can extend to menu design – menus should be available in large print or in digital formats to improve accessibility for those with visual impairments.
Understanding how disabled people feel about how welcoming your event is can be very simple – just ask them
Finally, clear and practical communication about sustainability policies is essential. Many disabled attendees have reported that sustainability information is often vague, heavy on jargon, and leaves them uncertain about what to expect. Transparent and accessible messaging – such as a dedicated section on your website detailing sustainable practices in clear, inclusive language – empowers all guests to make informed decisions. Be upfront about your venue’s accessibility, including details like the terrain, availability of accessible bathrooms, and options for mobility device charging.
Understanding how disabled people feel about how welcoming your event is can be very simple – just ask them! Disabled people are often the most aware of areas that could benefit from adaptation or improvement, and their insights can guide you toward more inclusive practices.
By creating sustainability policies that prioritise inclusivity, together we can ensure that festivals are welcoming to all and truly sustainable. Ultimately, disability justice is climate justice.
Get more stories like this in your inbox by signing up for IQ Index, IQ’s free email digest of essential live music industry news.
There’s no climate justice without disabled people
Suzanne Bull, founder of access charity Attitude is Everything, shares a powerful reminder to include disabled people when designing sustainability policies
10 Feb 2025
As festivals increasingly become more sustainable, it’s vital that disabled people are part of the picture. For me, there’s no climate justice without disability justice. Disabled people need to be included in the conversations about sustainability from the very beginning because when it comes to festivals, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach.
Sustainability policies, no matter how well-intentioned, can unconsciously exclude disabled people if their needs aren’t factored in from the start. Ensuring your event’s environmental goals are inclusive is not just about accommodation; it’s a necessity for creating a truly accessible, welcoming, and just space.
Consider the impact of sustainable practices on disabled attendees. Many common eco-friendly policies – such as promoting public transport, banning plastic, or limiting on-site vehicle access – can inadvertently create barriers. For instance, while encouraging public transportation can reduce emissions, many disabled people rely on private, accessible vehicles due to limited accessible public transit.
Blanket bans on plastic often ignore the fact that some disabled people need single-use items like plastic straws and certain medical supplies that have no sustainable alternatives. Rather than viewing these needs as obstacles, festival organisers should see them as opportunities to innovate sustainable practices that include everyone.
Accessibility within eco-friendly initiatives is possible with a few adjustments and thoughtful planning. Cheltenham Festivals, in the UK, has created an accessible facilities “bank,” allowing local events to share resources like accessible toilets, ramps, and other necessary equipment. By sharing resources, festivals reduce the environmental impact of sourcing and shipping new materials, while also ensuring these resources are readily available for disabled attendees.
To reduce plastic waste, many festivals now rely on water refill stations, but these are often positioned at heights that wheelchair users or people with limited reach can’t easily access. Providing refill stations at multiple heights and in accessible locations ensures that all guests can stay hydrated without needing single-use plastic bottles. Similarly, waste disposal can be designed with disabled attendees in mind. Adding recycling bins, compost bins, and water refill stations to viewing platforms or accessible camping sites means these areas remain inclusive and eco-friendly.
Accessible transportation options are also critical. While shuttle buses are eco-friendly for many attendees, accessible green transport is often limited, making it difficult for some disabled people to reach the event or move around the festival grounds. Investing in electric or hybrid shuttles with wheelchair access or allowing limited private vehicle access for those with mobility needs, can bridge this gap.
Food and drink options are another area where festivals can embrace inclusive sustainability. As more events shift towards plant-based and zero-waste dining, it’s important to remember that some disabled attendees have dietary needs that may not align with these options. Offering a range of food that includes items for people with sensory sensitivities or specific nutritional needs ensures that everyone can find something suitable without feeling excluded. This inclusivity can extend to menu design – menus should be available in large print or in digital formats to improve accessibility for those with visual impairments.
Finally, clear and practical communication about sustainability policies is essential. Many disabled attendees have reported that sustainability information is often vague, heavy on jargon, and leaves them uncertain about what to expect. Transparent and accessible messaging – such as a dedicated section on your website detailing sustainable practices in clear, inclusive language – empowers all guests to make informed decisions. Be upfront about your venue’s accessibility, including details like the terrain, availability of accessible bathrooms, and options for mobility device charging.
Understanding how disabled people feel about how welcoming your event is can be very simple – just ask them! Disabled people are often the most aware of areas that could benefit from adaptation or improvement, and their insights can guide you toward more inclusive practices.
By creating sustainability policies that prioritise inclusivity, together we can ensure that festivals are welcoming to all and truly sustainable. Ultimately, disability justice is climate justice.
Get more stories like this in your inbox by signing up for IQ Index, IQ’s free email digest of essential live music industry news.
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