PRE-EVENT
Following from last year's successful introduction, we have extended our partnership with Trees not Tees with all participants now having a tree planted in their name rather than receiving merchandise which may not be used and end up in landfill. Please bring your own hat and gloves to the 2026 event.
- We continually monitor our participant numbers ahead of event, to manage demand and ensure we reduce over-ordering.
- We collaborate with our venues to communicate our sustainability goals and implement measures like effective waste management to support these objectives.
- We work to ensure our suppliers are considering the environment, and are too trying to become more sustainable.
- You can help by avoiding the purchase of new equipment for the event. Consider buying second-hand items, such as roll mats and sleeping bags, instead for example, through Decathlon’s Second Life scheme.
AT THE EVENT
- By bringing a full reusable water bottle, you can stay hydrated overnight AND reduce the amount of plastic we use at the event.
- You can help by bringing your own reusable drinks cup for hot drinks (plus it will keep it warmer for longer... bonus!).
- Waste collected will be disposed of suitably, and wherever possible, sent for recycling.
- Wherever practical, event branding will be undated and evergreen, meaning it can be used year after year.
- Our staff will be encouraged to use public transport, and priority allocation given to venues closest to them to minimise their carbon footprint.
- Participants are encouraged to travel using public transport, or by lift sharing - why not extend the fun of SleepOut and travel with your team?
- To avoid wastage, we have decided to remove our food provision, pleasse eat before you arrive.
- Where we do have to use disposable items we will try and use recyclable or bio-degradable options, such as paper, cardboard or wood.
- At some venues, our cardboard boxes used for sleeping are pre-loved, but boxes from all venues are sent for reuse or recycling.
- Please take all equipment home with you after the event. If there’s anything you no longer need - such as roll mats or sleeping bags - please pass it on to a local charity. We aren’t able to reuse or recycle these items once the event has finished.
Have any recommendations?
Whilst we are making a real effort to do our bit for the planet, we are always open to ways we can improve. If you have any ideas how we might do this, then please let us know!
