It’s on everyone’s minds right now, so Julie Burniston gives some tidy tips to get your event more sustainable.
Event professionals have long focused on service and spectacle, but today another ‘s’ holds just as much importance: sustainability. No longer just a buzzword, hosting a more eco-conscious event is vital for the planet, your delegates, and your brand reputation. The good news is that you don’t need to completely overhaul your event or stretch your budget to make it greener. A few thoughtful swaps can make a big difference.
Ditch the disposables
First up and perhaps the most obvious, is to stop using disposable items such as single-use plastic cups, glasses, and utensils. Swap these for reusable mugs, glassware, or biodegradable alternatives. Branded water bottles are not only sustainable but double as a brilliant giveaway, and water refill stations are easy to set up, more planet-friendly, and cheaper than crates of bottled water.
Go digital
It’s a bit tongue in cheek coming from a print magazine, but where possible, say goodbye to printed programmes, menus, and signage and go digital! QR codes, digital agendas, and app-based schedules not only cut paper waste, but they also allow for real-time updates, keeping your event flexible and fresh. For signage and banners, invest in reusable modular displays you can update and repurpose.
Local ingredients
When it comes to catering, source locally and seasonally. Regional produce not only lowers carbon emissions, it also supports local businesses. Work with caterers who avoid single-use packaging and who champion waste-reduction practices such as composting food waste or donating surplus food to charities. In the same vein, always try to work with suppliers who prioritise sustainable practices. Many of these hold eco-certifications or have dedicated green policies displayed on their websites.
Décor decisions
For décor that doesn’t harm (or cost) the earth, skip the helium balloons and plastic confetti and opt for reusable props such potted plants, dried flowers, or upcycled décor. Not only are these eco-conscious, but they can be very stylish too!
Green logistics
When it comes to delegates getting to your chosen venue, rethink transport options. Encourage car-sharing, the use of public transport, or provide shuttle services from central locations. You could even offer incentives for guests who walk or cycle. When hosting a multi-day event, try choosing venues with accommodation on-site or nearby to minimise travel-related emissions.
Get offsetting
Finally, offset where you can. Even with the best will in the world, some carbon output is inevitable, so minimise waste by adding recycling stations throughout the venue, and why not give delegates the option to donate to an environmental cause during registration or ticketing? It’s a simple way to make your event give back.