As New Year’s Eve approaches, many are preparing for nights filled with music, dancing, and chilly outdoor temperatures. Among the items being purchased are Emergency Space Blankets, for their lightweight, heat-retaining properties. While these items may be convenient, their widespread use as single-use disposables raises questions about their environmental impact.
At Raveival, we believe in balancing festival fun with mindful consumption. So, how much does tossing a Space Blanket after one use cost the planet? 🤔 Let’s dive into the data ⬇️
Emergency Space Blankets are typically made from Metallicized Polyethylene Terephthalate (MPET), also known as Aluminum Mylar. To assess their environmental impact, I (Jack – Raveival’s Founder), referenced the study Environmental Life Cycle Comparison of Aluminum-based High Barrier Flexible Packaging Laminates, which provides insight into the emissions tied to MPET’s production and disposal 🚮 A Life Cycle Comparison (also called Life Cycle Assessment) evaluates a product’s environmental impact from raw material extraction to disposal.
According to the study, producing and disposing of 1 square meter of MPET generates 0.197 kg CO₂e (CO₂ equivalent). CO₂ equivalent is a measure that aggregates the warming potential of all greenhouse gases (such as CO₂, Methane, etc.) into a single metric.
Calculating the Impact of a Single Blanket
For my analysis, I used a standard Emergency Space Blanket measuring 52 x 82 inches (2.75 square meters). Here’s the math:
- Emissions per blanket:
0.197 kg CO₂e × 2.75 sq. meters = 0.54 kg CO₂e
Then, I used the EPA Greenhouse Gas Equivalencies Calculator to find greenhouse gas equivalencies of 0.54 kg CO₂e.
The results were shocking. 0.54 kg CO₂e (1 Emergency Space Blanket), is equivalent to the amount of greenhouse gas emissions as charging almost 44 smartphones 😱
Scaling Up: The Impact at a Music Festival
Now, imagine an event like Insomniac’s Countdown, which attracts 70,000 attendees daily. If just one in four attendees used and discarded a Space Blanket (which would be 17,500 blankets), the collective impact would equate to:
- Emissions from 17,500 blankets:
Equivalent emissions as charging 766,500 smartphones 📱, or the carbon footprint of burning 1,068 gallons of gasoline ⛽️🔥
When we multiply this behavior across numerous events, the environmental toll of the overconsumption of Emergency Space Blankets becomes strikingly clear.
Rethinking the Role of Space Blankets
Emergency Space Blankets undoubtedly serve a purpose. They are life-saving in critical situations and effective for heat retention. However, their design for emergencies contrasts starkly with their current use as single-use, disposable products for non-emergency scenarios.
At Raveival, we believe it’s time to reconsider how we approach these items. Instead of treating them as throwaway conveniences, we can:
- Dress in layers (we recommend thermal base layers because they are warm and do not take up too much space) 🧥
- Reuse these blankets when possible 🫶
- Donate used Space Blankets to local shelters ❤️
- Recycle no longer usable Space Blankets at a central collection point in your community that accepts number 4 plastics (these may include grocery stores or community recycling centers) ♻️
Small Changes, Big Impact
Individual decisions do have a profound environmental impact. By making mindful choices about what we buy and how we use it, we can reduce our collective carbon footprint and ensure the festival culture we love remains sustainable.
As we step into the new year, let’s resolve to rave responsibly. After all, every small change adds up to a brighter, greener future 🌱
Stay warm, stay mindful, and dance on 💃🕺
