Oktoberfest is the world’s renowned Bavarian festival. In 2024, 6.7 million attendees visited the festival ground. You can imagine the environmental impact they of such a crowd; 6.7 million people consuming water, using energy, eating, and generating waste, causing transmission emissions and much more. This makes eco-friendly and sustainable measures for both the organisers and attendees an absolute necessity.
The 2025 festival has introduced several sustainability initiatives, such as the display of vegetarian and vegan menus supporting low-emission power generation and investing in carbon offsetting initiatives. Beer tents are continuously striving to become carbon neutral through whatever effort is required. Businesses in Oktoberfest have already taken all the initiatives to increase their eco points, and the efforts will continue even in 2025.
Here’s how you can support an eco-friendly Oktoberfest in 2025.
Opt for Sustainable Transportation
Transportation is a major source of carbon emissions at Oktoberfest. Many people drive or fly long distances to reach Munich. Choose eco-friendly ways to travel to lower your carbon footprint.
Arriving from another city? Opt for trains over flights when possible. Deutsche Bahn has announced special Oktoberfest connections for 2025, including night trains from major European cities. These connections feature lower carbon emissions and the bonus of avoiding festival traffic congestion.
Taking a train instead of a car reduces emissions by 80%. Trains also offer a scenic ride that becomes part of the experience. To fly, look for airlines with carbon offset schemes. To explore Munich, the best options are to ride a bike, use public transit, or walk. These choices help the environment and let you enjoy the city up close.
Stay in Eco-Friendly Accommodations
The way you stay when attending Oktoberfest can also influence the environment quite a bit. Rather than taking a conventional hotel, seek an environmentally friendly alternative. Many guest rooms have started using renewable energy resources, efficient use of water, and recycling practices. Vegan and vegetarian options are also now leading in menu cards.
By staying in these types of facilities, you help companies that care about the world stay in business. If you are in a group, look into renting an eco-friendly flat where you have more control over your energy and water consumption.
Tip: Select accommodations with environmental certifications like Green Key or EU Ecolabel to meet strict high environmental standards. Koos Hotel & Apartments holds a Level 5 GreenSign Hotel certification to provide eco-friendly lodging. You can consider this option!
Use Reusable Items
Bringing your own reusable goods to Oktoberfest is one of the simplest ways to help reduce trash. Use reusable plates, cups, and utensils instead of disposable ones to make a big difference. Most food vendors and beer tents happily serve food in personal containers.
Bring a compact, reusable shopping bag for souvenirs. Many vendors still default to plastic bags despite sustainability pledges, so having your own prevents unnecessary waste.
Hydration at Oktoberfest isn’t a choice but an absolute necessity. Try to avoid single-use or plastic water bottles and replace them with environment-friendly reuseable bottles.
Noteworthy Fact: Disposable plates have been prohibited at Oktoberfest since 1991. Only returnable bottles with a deposit are accepted for drinks; cans are not allowed. Beer and meal delivery are made in reusable containers. Separate recycling is done for food waste, recyclables are gathered, and garbage is sorted. As a result of these initiatives, waste decreased from 247 tonnes (2008) to 88 tonnes (2022).
Minimise Energy Usage
Keep track of your energy use while staying in a hotel or renting a home to reduce waste. Turning off the lights and devices when not in the room saves electricity. Set the thermostat to an appropriate temperature and use air conditioning and heating sparingly.
Several resorts now provide the option to reuse towels and bedding rather than launder them every day. Taking small actions like these helps to save a lot of energy throughout the event.
A Friendly Suggestion- Unplug devices and chargers when they are not in use to avoid phantom energy loss.
Support Local and Sustainable Food Vendors
Oktoberfest is not only about beer. It is also a food festival, including a variety of traditional Bavarian specialties. Eat at vendors that advocate the use of locally sourced and sustainable ingredients for a more environmentally conscious experience. Most retailers now use veggies from adjacent farms. Choose organic vegetables and vegan options and avoid highly processed meals. Purchasing from local businesses not only allows you to consume fresher and more genuine food, but it also benefits the local economy and decreases your environmental effects.
| Guess What? Oktoberfest organizers have stepped up their environmental efforts. They are currently focusing on vegetarian food options. Vegan and vegetarian meals are getting increasingly popular. Many food stalls provide chemical-free, locally sourced produce. Boandlkramerei, a new tent, primarily serves plant-based meals. |
Tip: Ask vendors where they get their supplies, and choose meals that use seasonal and locally sourced vegetables.
Waste Management Done Right
Despite all the sustainability measures Oktoberfest takes, it still generates tonnes of waste. In 2024, the waste production was recorded at 802 tonnes, while during Oktoberfest 2023, the figures were around 820 tonnes.
The festival organisers are all set to reduce this number in 2025 by converting organic waste into biogas, powering portions of the event itself.
Take nothing but memories; leave nothing but footprints. The cleanup crews tackle enough without adding your litter to their workload.
Remember: Play your part in making Oktoberfest 2025 environment-friendly by throwing the leftover in the correct bins:
Yellow Bins: Plastic packaging, plastic cups
Green Bins: Glass bottles and jars, separated by color
Red Bins: For hazardous waste like batteries etc.
Join Clean-Up Activities
Oktoberfest produces a large amount of waste, but there are methods to help reduce it. Various groups and volunteers organise cleanup efforts during and after the festival. Join one of these activities to support the community and keep Munich clean. Even if you don’t attend an organised event, you can contribute by properly disposing of your garbage and picking up any litter you encounter. Encourage others to follow closely and lead by example.
| Did You Know? When the Oktoberfest is over, around 100 volunteers help clean up the festival grounds. Kratt explained, “We have hired employees and it’s a massive amount of volunteer work, some of which are fest family, some of which are different community groups that come in and do different work for us”. |
Tip: Take a small reusable bin bag with you to gather the rubbish and litter that you notice. It is an easy way to help keep things clean.
Sustainability Score Meter: How Green Is Your Oktoberfest?
Rate yourself! How many of these eco-friendly Oktoberfest tips will you follow?
🌱 1-2 Tips – Eco-Trainee: A little green goes a long way! Start small and build on your efforts.
🍂 3-5 Tips – Sustainable Stein Holder: You’re making Oktoberfest greener, one beer at a time! Keep going!
🌍 6-7 Tips – Eco-Warrior of the Wiesn: You’re leading the sustainability charge! Munich should give you a green medal!
Conclusion
Oktoberfest is a global festival time with millions of attendees from all across the world. The festival features food, beer, souvenirs, clothing, rides, and whatnot- all increasing the risk of carbon footprint. You can make your experience eco-friendly, at least by playing your part. Choose sustainable dirndl and lederhosen outfits, bring reusable water bottles, and bring reusable bags for holding souvenirs. Shake hands with the management of Oktoberfest 2025 to support their mission of reducing the carbon footprint and environmental impact.
