The BBC has a particular duty to do everything we can to minimise our impact on the environment and we are following the science-based targets set out in the BBC Net Zero Strategy to achieve net zero in our direct operations by 2030.
Everyone working on Radio 1’s Big Weekend – including BBC staff and presenters, event contributors, and contractors – are requested to follow our Sustainability Policy, to reduce our environmental impact. In keeping with our aims, we ask all ticketholders to consider taking steps to contribute to a more sustainable event. There are lots of ways you can contribute:
How can you help
1. Travel
Did you know that 80% of festival emissions come from audience travel? That’s why we’re encouraging everyone to choose low-emission transport options when heading to Sefton Park. Every eco-friendly choice helps reduce the festival’s environmental impact so let’s make your journey part of the solution!
· If you can walk, ride a bike or scooter to the festival site then you can burn off some of your pre show energy and contribute zero carbon emissions! Radio 1 Big Weekend has safe cycle storage at St Michaels station for everyone to use.
· The nearest train station is Liverpool St Michael’s Station and Mossley Hill Station.
· There will be electric buses travelling from the city centre to Sefton Park.
· More information available on the Visit Liverpool website.
2. Refill your water bottle
Please bring a reusable water bottle with you and fill up for free at the water stations. Stay hydrated, save money and prevent waste!
3. Eating at Radio 1 Big Weekend
Food production is responsible for nearly 30% of global emissions, but plant-based meals create 2.5 times fewer emissions than those containing meat. At Radio 1’s Big Weekend all food menus are carbon rated using a 5-tier system and this simple rating allows you to see the impact and emissions associated.
We’re proud to offer a fantastic range of food vendors across the event, with many coming from the Liverpool City Region to keep things local! Every trader will serve at least one plant based main menu option, with 3 dedicated vegan traders and 1 sole gluten free trader to ensure there is an amazing variety of choice for everyone. Plus, all serveware is compostable - from wooden cutlery to stirrers - so you can enjoy your meal sustainably.
4. Fancy a drink
Reusable Cup scheme at all bars
To reduce and prevent waste we will operate a reusable cup scheme across at Radio 1’s Big Weekend. When used multiple times, reusable cups create 87% less emissions than 75 single-use cups! All of our cups are unbranded to ensure they can be reused at another festival.
What do you need to know?
You pay a ONE-OFF charge of £1 on top of the price of your first drink which covers the rental of the cup for the whole festival. You shouldn’t need to pay this more than once, just keep hold of your cup and exchange it for a new one at the bar the next time it’s your round!
If you don’t want to carry your cup around, you can exchange it at the bars for a token instead which can then be redeemed for a cup later on. This prevents you from paying another £1.
At the end of the festival, hand the cup back to a dedicated collection point or at the cup bins so that we can reuse the cup at a completely new event.
In addition, any drinks served in a can or bottle include a 10p refundable deposit. Please return these items to the return points to claim your 10p back.
Recycle your Cans and Wine Bottles:
To reduce waste we ask that all cans and wine bottles have a £1 deposit on top of the price, to redeem this cost back please return the empty cans and wine bottles to the cup redemption points. This will help us ensure these are recycled.
5. Recycle
We have increased the number of waste and recycling points to make it even easier for you to us with this!
We are encouraging festivalgoers to keep Radio 1’s Big Weekend tidy by using the three bins available.
· Mix Recycling bins – For all dry recyclable waste.
· Compostable Waste – for food all food serveware.
· General Waste - All other waste.
· Vape bins – are hazardous waste due to their lithium batteries, they much be recycled separately or taken home with you.
6. Purple Patch
The Purple Patch is a fun, interactive, learning zone about the journey of waste - made up of Liverpool’s iconic purple wheel bins. Liverpool – and the country - is about to undergo huge changes to how waste is collected and recycled.
So, the city has turned to local artists, led by Make CIC, to help explain how we can make better use of our waste to help us all live more sustainably.
Look out for the Purple Patch at Radio 1 Big Weekend – you won’t be able to look at a bin and talk rubbish in the same way again!!
Thank you for helping us to improve our impact on the environment at BBC Radio 1’s Big Weekend.
