The terms “environmentally friendly,” “eco-friendly,” and “sustainable” are losing their places as buzzwords and slowly becoming a part of the lexicon of the larger public. Consumers are changing their habits as they learn more about humans’ impact on the climate. Businesses of any size must adapt to these changes or get left behind. Even event planners need to be creative. It’s up to event organizers and professionals to learn how to make their events more sustainable.
In this article, we share four event sustainability tips that you can easily implement for your next big occasion.
Select an Environmentally Friendly Venue
Undoubtedly, one of the most important features of any event is the venue. Every aspect of it should be eco-friendly if you want a sustainable event. Sustainable event venues should have recycling stations, encourage recycling and the reduction of plastic and paper usage, and have energy and water-efficient appliances.
Instead of erecting a traditional brick-and-mortar building on the spot for your outdoor event, consider getting a tension fabric building. Tension fabric buildings have more environmental benefits than most buildings. Although this practice is only sustainable if the outdoor event is reoccurring—tension fabric structures may use fewer materials, but the main draw is their reusability.
Work With a Supplier That Prioritizes Sustainability
Just like your event venue, the people you work with must also align with your sustainable values if you truly want to walk the walk. Maybe you want a supplier that can provide you with recyclable or sustainable decorations, cutlery, or signage. Regardless, be sure to inquire as to their sustainability policies and practices.
Do they use recycled or reused materials? Are they dedicated to reducing emissions or energy usage? What are their methods of production and transportation, and do they align with reducing carbon emissions? These are just some of the important questions you must ask, and it may be helpful to create a list of the qualities you want to see in your supplier.
Implement Low-Waste Practices
Implement low or zero-waste practices and policies to reduce the amount of waste your event produces to truly make your event more sustainable. These practices and policies go beyond just recycling and using recyclable materials—they must be a mindset.
Avoid giving out gift bags with trinkets or swag that will just get thrown away. Make sure you serve food from local businesses that use sustainable ingredients and donate any uneaten food. Use as much digital media as you can to avoid printing out signs, business cards, or posters. The more you plan with eco-friendly practices in mind, the easier it will be to create a truly sustainable event.
Consider a Greener Catering Menu
As mentioned, you may want to consider working with a local catering business if you plan to offer food. Working with a smaller, local business makes it easier to gain insight into whether they implement sustainable practices in the food they serve. Do they donate leftover dishes and ingredients? Do they source their ingredients locally or organically? Do they prioritize the reduction of meat in their menu and offer more plant-based options?
Working with a local business also means less carbon emissions when it comes to food transportation and delivery. Plus, you can be sure that your vegetarian and vegan guests will thank you for considering them and offering more than just a salad.
