Deserted cities of tents have become an environmental blight of the UK’s numerous festivals, with an estimated 10,000 non-biodegradable shelters left behind every year at events such as Glastonbury or Reading.

However, this problem could soon be a thing of the past thanks to design student James Dunlop, who came up with the inspired idea of building an environmentally friendly tent as part of his final year at the University of the West of England.

Dunlop, now 23, said: “When I spoke to waste managers at the festivals, they said that their biggest problem was the number of tents that are discarded. That’s a big part of the post-festival clear up.”

Since finishing his degree, Dunlop has received £500,000 in backing to develop and market his idea.

Christened MyHabs, the recyclable tents are insulated with a waterproof coating and are built to withstand up to five days of rain. Even the interior is fitted with a eco-friendly solar light.

The only foreseeable barrier for Dunlop’s creation may be the price. The designer estimates the tent will cost between £60 and £100, which for a weekend’s roughing it, is decidedly hefty. Still, if the nation’s festival goers continue to develop an environmental conscience, the temporary cardboard tent may become a permanent fixture on the festival landscape.