Creating an Eco-Friendly Event
Event management can be an exciting and rewarding career, but the aftermath can leave a negative footprint on the environment without proper forethought. In an age where green products and ecologically sustainable work methods are more readily accessible than ever, being eco-friendly is no longer an option, but a necessity! While initially it might seem easier to go with a generic brand of paper plates or give in to the latest food trend, the reality is that making your event eco conscious can lighten your workload and add another dimension to the event – all while doing your due diligence to the environment!
Save the Date
Nowadays, almost everyone is online in one form or another. Inviting people to your event via Facebook or sending out evites is more convenient for everyone when reaching out to prospective guests. Attendees don’t have to worry about losing invitations, it’s easy to keep track of who has RSVP’d, and you can change event details or add information as the date gets closer. Finally, you’re saving yourself a boatload of work writing out all those invitations and eliminating what would soon end up in the garbage! It’s a win win.
Cut Waste From Farm to Table
Local is always better when it comes to the menu at your event. Try choosing options with ingredients that are in season – a simple google search is all it takes! It might seem contradictory, but when it comes to choosing napkins and tablecloths, reusable isn’t always better. Paper napkins are lightweight and can be composted after use, while reusable napkins are environmentally taxing due to the vigorous washing and bleaching they undergo between uses. If you’re set on having reusable napkins and tablecloths at your event, go with a dark colour that won’t require bleaching and opt for linen instead of cotton.
If you must use disposable plates and utensils, compostable is essential. It’s just as easy and cost efficient to opt for paper plates (without the waxy coating) which decompose with food scraps, and using compostable cutlery eliminates a significant amount of garbage. Where appropriate, offer guests no-mess finger foods that doesn’t require plates or cutlery (this also reduces washing!). If your event has an on-site dishwasher, using silverware is the responsible choice.
Instead of using fresh flowers for your centerpiece and disposing of them after, why not round up some lovely, low maintenance succulents that can be reused (or sent home with guests!) For center-pieces use fruit or potted plants instead of cut flowers. These can double as party favours at the end of the event too.
It’s All About Time and Place
Daytime events are lovely, and relying on natural light means saving energy. Once the sun goes down, LED or CFL lighting is the way to go. Another thing to consider is how your guests will be transported to the event and how far they will have to travel from. To minimize your event’s carbon footprint, encourage your guests to carpool with other guests in their area. Alternatively, if you have the budget for it, you could facilitate transportation for guests via bus or limousine.
Tie Up the Loose Ends
The final step is making it all disappear! Except after your event, it won’t be into the landfill. Depending on the location, your district will have different regulations about how to dispose of compost. If your municipality doesn’t have a composting program that picks it up for you, your city almost certainly has a third party company that will pick up your post-event compost and food scraps and distribute it to local farms, gardens, or use it themselves. At the end of the day, everyone is better off when you plan your event responsibly. Even the small things count, and the earth will thank you!
