How public attractions can inspire sustainability?

Public attractions are more than just places we go to enjoy history, art, or family-friendly entertainment. They’re spaces where thousands gather, learn, and connect, which makes them a powerful force for inspiring sustainable habits.

Whether it’s an outdoor performance like Kynren, a day out at the Discovery Museum, or a quiet afternoon at the Laing Art Gallery or Great North Museum: Hancock, these places shape our perceptions and behaviours. And increasingly, they’re also showing us how sustainability can be woven into the experience, without compromise.

Take Kynren for example, one of the most renowned live shows in the UK. This year, the attraction took an important step forward in reducing its environmental footprint by partnering with Everdurance to replace single-use plastic bottles with carton water. With thousands of visitors attending each event, this simple switch results in:

• Over 8,000 guests per show served more sustainable drinks

• A significant reduction in plastic waste across nine major shows

• Around 2.7 tonnes of CO₂ saved just by changing the packaging format

• A better experience for families and eco-conscious audiences

This kind of change proves that impactful sustainability doesn’t have to mean big investments or complex strategies. It can start with thoughtful choices that reflect shared values and long-term thinking.

Why sustainability at public attractions matters

We often talk about sustainability in the context of large corporations or policy change. But everyday places, like public attractions, play a vital role too. They’re gathering spaces, learning hubs, and shared experiences that can subtly, but powerfully influence behaviour.

Public attractions have the ability to educate and engage visitors of all ages. They are already venues of learning, why not extend that learning to environmental responsibility?

It goes beyond cost-saving. This is about setting a standard and offering people a way to live their values even during leisure time.

Here’s how:

• Families value it –> Parents want to show their children that doing the right thing matters, even when you’re having fun.

• Businesses benefit –> Attractions that adopt sustainable practices build stronger relationships with eco-conscious visitors and gain reputational value.

• It’s a teachable moment –> Kids who recycle at an event or refill their bottles are forming habits that last a lifetime.

Simple, sustainable steps attractions can take

Not every venue needs to overhaul their entire operation to start making a difference. The best part? Many of the most effective changes are small and scalable. Here are just a few impactful actions public attractions can take today:

• Switch from plastic bottles to carton or aluminium alternatives

• Add water refill stations to reduce waste and promote hydration

• Use compostable packaging for food vendors and concessions

• Partner with local suppliers to lower carbon emissions and support the local economy

• Create clear recycling zones with educational signage

• Use LED lighting and energy-efficient systems indoors and outdoors

• Offer bike parking and encourage public transport to reduce traffic and pollution

Each of these choices supports sustainability without disrupting the visitor experience, in fact, it often enhances it, making it more memorable and meaningful.

What this means for visitors

Sustainability isn’t just a business move or a CO₂ savings, it’s personal. Parents want to raise children who understand responsibility. When you walk into a venue and see responsible choices being made, it resonates. As a parent, you’re proud. As a child, you’re learning. As a visitor, you feel part of something bigger.

There’s something undeniably powerful about attending a show or visiting a gallery where sustainability is visible and intentional; it builds loyalty and trust.

And these are the stories that stick. A child asking why their water came in a carton. A family noticing how easy it was to recycle their lunch packaging. These moments are small but impactful, and they ripple far beyond the day itself.

Building the blueprint

At Everdurance, we believe that public attractions are uniquely positioned to lead this movement. That’s why we’re proud to work across different industries, from live events to cultural institutions, to make sustainability practical, scalable, and real.

The message is simple: small changes lead to big impacts.

A new era for attractions

Sustainability doesn’t need to be complicated or expensive. It just needs intention and effort. Public attractions are uniquely placed to lead by example, influence thousands of visitors, and show that making the right choices can still mean having a fantastic experience.

By introducing sustainability into these environments quietly and consistently, we create memories that also make a difference.

And we believe that’s a future worth building, one attraction at a time.