As of 1st May 2019, cultural festivals in the Czech Republic’s capital will no longer provide plasticware such as cups, food trays and cutlery. Events that the city financially supports, such as music festivals and cultural events, will be banned from providing single-use plastic.

City officials have urged organisers to use washable and reusable resources such as wood, glass, porcelain and metal in a bid to encourage sustainability. Festivals are notorious for generating huge amounts of rubbish, which contributes to the 25 million tonnes of plastic waste EU citizens create every year.

City councillor, Hana Třeštíková, commented: “I want Prague to behave in a more environmentally-friendly manner. Reducing disposable plastics is the most effective means of fighting for a cleaner [environment] and [cleaner] oceans.

“I hope Prague will not remain alone and will inspire other organisers and operators.”


Prague’s farmers’ markets have also committed to ditch the plastic with sellers along the Vltava riverbank serving food and drink in biodegradable dishes.

In Britain, over 60 independent festivals have committed to ban single-use plastics by 2021, with several already outlawing plastic straws, cups and even plastic glitter.

The European Parliament recently approved a law to ban all single-use plastics in the European Union by 2021. This includes, plastic straws, plates, cutlery, plastic cotton bud sticks, oxo degradable plastics and expanded polystyrene cups.