How to Create Sustainable Events : An Ultimate Guide to Event Planners

Monday, October 24, 2022

There can be a lot of waste generated at conferences and events. One event, one venue that was outfitted to impress for the day, and a large number of attendees using disposable items. You may make your event more sustainable by making a few strategic adjustments. Here are a few suggestions that can help you organise a sustainable event.

Prohibit the usage of single-us plastics
Numerous studies have demonstrated the detrimental effects of single-use plastic on the environment. If the right precautions are not taken, the typical event generates a lot of plastic garbage. Planning ahead to replace single-use plastic items is a terrific approach to make your event sustainable. Choose biodegradable materials like hemp or bamboo. There are many environmentally friendly items on the market nowadays that you may choose from. Your event’s carbon footprint will be greatly reduced if single-use plastic is prohibited.

Train your volunteers
The volunteers are your event’s lifeline. You can reach your goals by properly preparing them to tackle the numerous sustainability measures. Using solutions like InitLive, which let you deliver messages to your team and update them as needed on the go, is one method to successfully educate your volunteers.

Upcycle and recycle
Wherever you can, strive to include recycled and repurposed materials into the materials you choose for your event. Single-use items can generate a significant quantity of waste and have a negative impact on the environment. Do your best to find items that can be reused for a second time. The use of whiteboards or chalkboards rather than print signage, which are more difficult to reuse, or asking guests to return their lanyards or badge covers after an event are some possible strategies.

Make a green catering strategy
Making eco-friendly catering decisions is essential to organising a green event because food is a significant contributor to climate change. Additionally, many gatherings frequently over-cater, which results in wasteful spending. According to Meegan Jones, author of Sustainable Event Management, food waste is a significant source of landfill methane emissions, which contribute to the global greenhouse gas emissions. A third of all food produced is thought to be lost or discarded globally, according to shocking data on food loss. This includes food waste at events.

Keep minimal paper usage
Consider utilising digital QR codes, for instance, on the invites to the event. These codes can point event attendees to the relevant website so they can register for the event online from there. Or, if you’re organising an exhibition, make a mobile-accessible PDF brochure that attendees may see online. Utilise online tools for document storage and communication as you prepare your event to further go digital. Fewer paper and plastic cups are used as a result (plus other kitchen utensils).

Hire a sustainable event venue
Selecting environmentally friendly event locations, where everything will be taken care of for you, is the simplest approach to create a green experience. Pick a location that has undergone independent verification that it satisfies operational or green building standards. Asking nearby organic farms if they conduct events on their property can help your attendees feel more connected to the environment.

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