How to Host an Environmentally Friendly Event
hosting an environmentally friendly event? Not sure HOW TO START?
June 5 - 11 is Environment Week,
THE TIME IS NOW!
If you’re planning an event and want to reduce
your impact on the environment,
we’ve created a list to help you prepare
for your eco-conscious event.
PLANNING
The more you plan and the earlier your plan, the more likely you’ll be able to achieve your goals. Select vendors that are local and ensure their supplies are locally sourced (and be sure to select an event planner who shares your values!).
COMMUNICATING GREEN GOALS
Communicate your sustainability and environmental goals to the venue, vendors, and guests and make sure you’re asking the right questions. Use clear key messaging on digital invitations, social media, e-mail marketing and even during the event, with digital signage.
PLASTIC FREE
One of the biggest ways you can be eco-conscious is to ensure your event is plastic-free. When choosing your venue, ensure glassware, crockery and cutlery are reusable and provide water jugs with glassware. Avoid plastic cups, water bottles, cutlery and plates. If the venue doesn’t supply the items, do research around borrowing or renting from an event company like Chair Flair. If you can’t avoid single-use items, use eco-friendly, biodegradable or compostable options. Smart menu choices can also help reduce waste – consider serving finger foods that don’t require utensils, along with branded fabric napkins, which guests can keep as a momento.
Hosting an environmentally friendly event requires sustainability considerations from the beginning.
ZERO WASTE
When you’re planning to host your eco-conscious event, incorporate a waste management plan to reduce, reuse and recycle. Food waste decomposes and produces greenhouse gases, like methane, in landfills. A key to an eco-conscious event is reducing food waste. Plan your menu according to how many guests are actually attending and consider food donation programs, like The Leftovers Foundation, to make use of whatever remains. Reduce emissions by collecting food waste separately from landfills and composting.
RECYCLING
It is estimated that waste will increase by 70% from 2022 to 2050 which is why recycling is important. Have clear signage for your guests to ensure they can easily differentiate between recycling bins, landfills and food waste. Consider traffic flow within your space and strategically place bins to encourage recycling. Avoid buying new décor and get creative with re-purposing existing elements, finding recycled products online, or working with companies that use sustainable materials. Most importantly, do your research!
CARBON NEUTRAL TRANSPORT
Depending on the venue location, you might help your guests reduce the event’s carbon footprint by promoting cycling or helping organize carpooling. For large events, incentivise guests to ride public transit with free or discounted tickets. If public transit isn’t an option, provide shuttles (electric, hydrogen or hybrid). Combine this with public transportation or offer local hotel drop-offs.
ECO-CONSCIOUS SWAG
If you are providing swag or favours for guests, choose practical reusable items that contain minimal packaging and are ethically sourced. Plants, seed packets, reusable tote bags, bamboo cutlery bags, recycled notebooks, mugs or tumblers all make great gifts.
MINIMIZE PAPER
Do you have an event folder? Are you sending out paper invites? Stop, and go digital! To reduce paper and enhance efficiencies, use event management software, and consider creating an event website. Going digital means that all the event details like dates, location, time, announcements, and updates can be referenced at any time. Use QR codes to easily direct people to your site. On event day, further reduce the need for printed flyers, brochures and schedules by using a mobile event app. It can be used to share the program schedule, information about speakers and even provide a bit of fun with event activities.
GROW LOCAL
If hosting an environmentally friendly event, choose your menu wisely. Produce that is flown in or driven from miles away has a direct impact on the environment. Make sure you let your vendors know that you are looking for local, organic, seasonal, water-wise foods.
If you’re hosting an environmentally friendly event, consider sustainability from the start. there are so many ways to reduce your impact on the planet.