What you need for a climate march

A climate march needs more than banners and protest signs. You’ll need clear route markers, portable sound equipment, power supplies, refreshments, waste collection and materials for volunteers. The right quantities depend on attendance and march length, but planning by participant count prevents the most common shortages. Use this list alongside your route plan, permit requirements and volunteer briefing so everything is bought, packed and delivered before the meeting point opens.

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What to bring

Grouped the way you'd shop for it, with quantities.

Furniture

Party tentsqty 2
Foldable tablesqty 8
Folding chairsqty 20
Tableclothsqty 8
Waste binsqty 12

Equipment

Wireless megaphonesqty 6
Portable speakersqty 2
Wireless microphonesqty 3
Mixer
Extension cordsqty 6
Power stripsqty 6
Power banksqty 8
Walkie-talkiesqty 12

Lighting

LED lampsqty 6
String lightsqty 4

Decorations

Bannersqty 12
Bannersqty 8
Paper flagsqty 300
Wooden protest signsqty 100
Cardboard platesqty 300
Route arrowsqty 40
Cable tiesqty 500
Masking tapeqty 12
Markersqty 30
Rolls of tapeqty 12

Tableware

Reusable drinking cupsqty 500
Reusable coffee cupsqty 200
Reusable platesqty 250
Reusable cutleryqty 250

Kitchen

Coffee machinesqty 3
Kettlesqty 3
Thermos flasksqty 8
Coolersqty 8
Serving plattersqty 12
Serving tongsqty 8
Cutting boardsqty 4
Bread knivesqty 4
Storage binsqty 20
Water jugsqty 8
First aid kitsqty 3
Flashlightsqty 8
Clipboardsqty 12
Pensqty 40

Cleaning

Hand broomsqty 4
Litter pickersqty 8
Bucketsqty 6
Cleaning clothsqty 30
Work glovesqty 24

Sports equipment

Vests for traffic marshalsqty 24
Rain umbrellasqty 12
Foldable stretchers

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 6 packs
- Tea - 10 boxes
- Sugar - 3 packs
- Milk - 20 liters
- Oat milk - 8 liters
- Lemon - 3 kilos
- Coffee biscuits - 12 packs
- Whole wheat bread - 20 loaves
- White sandwich rolls - 200 pieces
- Whole grain sandwich rolls - 200 pieces
- Hummus - 12 tubs
- Young cheese - 8 kilos
- Vegan cheese - 3 kilos
- Vegetarian spread - 12 tubs
- Cucumber - 8 kilos
- Tomatoes - 8 kilo
- Lettuce - 20 heads
- Apples - 25 kilos
- Bananas - 20 kilos
- Grapes - 12 kilos
- Muesli bars - 500 pieces
- Paprika chips - 20 bags
- Plain chips - 20 bags
- Mixed nuts - 10 kilos
- Cola - 24 bottles
- Coke Zero - 24 bottles
- Sinas - 18 bottles
- Apple juice - 18 cartons
- Spa Blauw - 120 bottles
- Sparkling mineral water - 48 bottles
- Isotonic drink - 24 bottles
- Ice cubes - 20 bags
- Salt - 2 packs
- Pepper - 2 jars
- Mayonnaise - 4 bottles
- Ketchup - 4 bottles
- Mustard - 3 jars
- Napkins - 2000 pieces
- Paper towels - 12 rolls
- Paper towels - 12 rolls
- Toilet paper - 48 rolls
- Trash bags - 150 pieces
- Compostable bags - 100 pieces
- Dish soap - 4 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 4 bottles
- Disinfectant hand gel - 12 bottles
- Liquid hand soap - 8 bottles
- Sponges - 24 pieces
- Nitrile gloves - 300 pieces
- Bandages - 10 boxes
- Disinfectant wipes - 10 packs
- Paper medicine cups - 100 pieces
- Disposable rain ponchos - 100 pieces

Tips

Prepare at least one route arrow or directional sign for every major turn, plus a few spare signs. Pack cable ties, masking tape, markers and rolls of tape together so volunteers can install replacements quickly.
For a march with speeches or music, test the portable speakers, microphones, mixer and megaphones at the meeting point at least 24 hours beforehand. Bring power banks and extension cords even when the venue has power, because the route may not.
Plan two to three reusable drinking cups per person for a longer programme, with separate coffee cups, plates and cutlery if refreshments are served. Count coffee machines and extension cords as a separate setup rather than assuming the meeting room covers them.
Give each route or safety team a walkie-talkie, and keep at least two spare units with the coordinator. Charge every device the evening before and label the spares so they do not disappear into transport boxes.
Pack signs and banners flat, with cardboard plates, paper flags and wooden protest signs separated by type. Put waste bins, tablecloths and reusable tableware on the first unloading list; these are often left behind while attention goes to the visible campaign materials.

Frequently asked questions

What do I need to buy for a climate march?: Plan for route arrows, banners, wooden protest signs, tape, cable ties and markers first. Add megaphones or portable speakers, microphones, power banks, walkie-talkies, waste bins and reusable cups, plates and cutlery if you are serving refreshments.
How many megaphones do I need for a climate march?: Use at least one megaphone for every 50 to 100 participants when the group will spread along the route. Keep one additional unit with the lead coordinator for emergencies or a flat battery.
How much drinking equipment do I need per person?: Allow two to three reusable drinking cups per person for a longer programme, unless you have a reliable washing point. If you serve coffee, count coffee cups separately rather than using the same number as drinking cups.
When should I prepare the climate march supplies?: Buy printed materials, banners and signs at least 7 to 14 days before the march. Test sound equipment, charge power banks and pack route materials 24 hours before, then check the full load against the route and volunteer plan.

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