Events are great opportunities to celebrate, network, and learn, but they can also generate a lot of waste and environmental impact. How can you reduce waste and recycle at events, and make your events more sustainable and eco-friendly? Here are some tips and best practices to help you plan greener events.
One of the first steps to reduce waste and recycle at events is to choose a venue that supports your sustainability goals. Look for venues that have green certifications, policies, and practices, such as energy efficiency, water conservation, waste management, and carbon offsetting. Ask the venue about their recycling and composting options, and how they handle food and beverage waste. You can also check if the venue is accessible by public transportation, bike, or walk, to reduce the carbon footprint of your attendees.
Many planners have been making sustainability/environmental changes years before it became a "thing". Example: We always have a plan for extra food post-event. I could not in good conscious throw away perfectly good food when so many can benefit. I established relationships with local shelters and it because just a matter of a phone call "I'm on my way". No waste and helping other! Great combo!
For the Y20 Indonesia 2022, we were adamant to walk the talk as youths who care about the climate crisis. We looked for a partner to help us calculate our carbon footprint from both the event program and the delegates' perspectives (each delegate's travel footprint was taken into account). Our partner had the ability to not only calculate the carbon footprint but also help us offset them by planting mangroves on Indonesia's coastlines. Another partner worked with our event venues to manage our waste by sorting and recycling what we could. We also ensured that, instead of plastic bottles of water, there are water dispensers the delegates can use to refill their tumblers (which were part of the welcome packet they received upon arrival).
It’s not just about choosing a “green” venue. Find out what they do to make it sustainable and how they document and report it. Knowing these things can then empower you to report back to your stakeholder that by selecting this venue you saved x # of gallons or water, x # lbs of waste diverted from the landfill etc etc. this might even benefit your stakeholder CSR goals.
6 ways to reduce waste at events - 1. Sustainable Elegance: Opt for timeless pieces that can be reused / repurposed across various events. 2. Eco-Chic Invitations: Consider sending a digital invite & use QR codes to RSVP. 3. Culinary Delights with a Green Twist: Collaborate with caterers who prioritize locally sourced, organic ingredients. 4. Gifts That Give Back: Select items that align with your eco-friendly theme. Think reusable tote bags or a potted plant. 5. Upcycled Décor Delights: Vintage crates, repurposed wine barrels, & salvaged wood can add a touch of rustic elegance while minimizing waste. 6. Donation and Repurposing: After the event, consider donating leftover food to local shelters or food banks.
In today's world, it is crucial for event planners to prioritize sustainability and take proactive steps to reduce waste and promote recycling at events. By implementing eco-friendly practices, we can minimize the environmental impact of events and inspire attendees to adopt more sustainable habits. Minimizing Paper Usage,embracing digital alternatives,opt for electronic communication,implementing sustainable Catering,Waste Management and Recycling Stations, encourage creativity by repurposing materials and promoting upcycling As event planners, we have the power to make a significant impact on the environment by adopting sustainable practices and promoting waste reduction and recycling at events.
Another way to reduce waste and recycle at events is to minimize the use of paper and plastic materials. Instead of printing flyers, brochures, and programs, use digital platforms, such as websites, apps, or QR codes, to share information and communicate with your attendees. Instead of disposable cups, plates, and cutlery, use reusable or biodegradable alternatives, or encourage your attendees to bring their own. You can also avoid using plastic bags, bottles, and straws, and opt for reusable or recyclable options.
Reducing waste at events is a must. Here are just a few ways I've worked with various events to limit the amount of waste we produce. Establishing QR codes for agendas in lieu of paper copies, using recycled paper for nametags instead of throw-away stickers, investing in biodegradable badge holders that you can use and reuse for 5 years (but be sure to ask attendees to return them after the event) are just a few ways to reduce waste. And how about those seed-imbedded business cards? They're not just cards, they're a little patch of green waiting to bloom! Every small step toward sustainability counts.
Referentin des Vorstands Diakonisches Werk der evangelischen Landeskirche in Baden e.V.
Stop producing useless giveaways for your events! Honestly: who uses them after? Who cares about the 20. lanyard or other things like key rings, trashy pens or wears some random T-Shirt (maybe for gardening works …).
To add to Nicole's perspective, rather than offer cheap swag, take the money that was to be used for that and donate it to an important cause, like environmental restoration. Let your attendees know that you've made a donation in their honour and instead of providing useless swag.
Definitely reduce the need to handouts or flyers. Most information can be provided online. Give people a QR code or URL for them to read in greater details. I've been to events where non-disposable cups are used. Alternatively, encourage people to bring their own bottles. :)
Setting up a good online experience e.g. a venue app, can save a lot of waste: - give-aways - business cards - pencils and notebooks
Food is an essential part of any event, but it can also be a major source of waste and emissions. To reduce waste and recycle at events, you can source local and organic food from vendors who practice sustainable farming and production. This way, you can support the local economy, reduce the transportation and packaging costs, and ensure the quality and freshness of the food. You can also choose seasonal and plant-based menus, which have lower environmental impact than animal-based products.
Referentin des Vorstands Diakonisches Werk der evangelischen Landeskirche in Baden e.V.
The catering at our events is vegetarian and vegan only. And this works! No complaints why there hasn’t been any meaty things. If possible, try to donate leftover food. At our last customer event we had zero food waste due to this option.
I've convinced catering companies to let me donate the food to a local homeless shelter. They aren't allowed to do it themselves, but can give it to me to take/donate it. At school/work, I encourage use of ceramic plates, coffee mugs and silverware, instead of one-use. Luckily, my adult students do the dishes after our parties, which is great.
Sometimes, despite your best efforts, you may end up with excess materials or leftovers after your event. Instead of throwing them away, you can donate or reuse them for a good cause. For example, you can donate unused food to local charities or food banks, or compost it if possible. You can also donate or reuse decorations, banners, signs, and other items that can be repurposed for future events or projects. You can also encourage your attendees to take home or share any materials they received or collected at your event.
When building out event creative, I push my team and designers to develop evergreen designs that can be used across multiple events in different ways. The goal is to have many scenic elements that can convey a message as standalone branding, and can also be added together to create a larger scenic experience where necessary. This has the added benefit of being cost effective!
Some great companies such as Muto events in France are taking care of this for you. There are on a mission to help the events industry to become cleaner. And to be honest it’s enjoyable to see this !
Finally, one of the most important ways to reduce waste and recycle at events is to educate and engage your attendees about your sustainability efforts and goals. You can communicate your green initiatives and expectations to your attendees before, during, and after your event, using various channels and methods. You can also provide incentives and rewards for your attendees who participate in your green activities, such as recycling, composting, or carpooling. You can also collect feedback and suggestions from your attendees on how to improve your sustainability performance and impact.
Reducing waste and recycling at events involves a few key steps: 1. **Planning**: Opt for digital invitations and event materials to minimize paper waste. Consider the number of attendees to avoid over-ordering food and supplies. 2. **Waste Stations**: Set up clearly labeled waste stations for recycling, composting, and landfill waste. Educate attendees about what goes where. 3. **Reusable Items**: Provide reusable cups, plates, utensils, and napkins to reduce single-use items. Encourage attendees to bring their own water bottles. 4. **Vendor Guidelines**: Instruct vendors to use eco-friendly packaging and avoid single-use plastics. Choose catering companies that prioritize sustainable practices.
For starters, it starts with you, the planner! *Use digital everything (Ban plastic bags, plastic straws, printed material. Ask vendors to create QR codes for information sharing, provide an online platform of vendor links, registration and payment online, and ask guests to wear their own work badge (not only see their name but learn who they are with!) instead printing temporary badges. *For promotional material, opt for personalized cups with lids that are filled during you conference. No plastic waste, reused at home or work too. *Use linen napkins & Real dinnerware. *Provide attendees public transportation routes. *Provide list of sustainable resources for food etc. while in town. Choosing a green venue is not enough! Starts w/Planner
There will be plastic water bottles and other plastics at my event (out of my control). What things can I do to improve behaviors and success in recycling? I am having trouble finding things that can influence proper recycling behavior.