Caring about the Environment does not need to be a hassle. Making a few environmentally conscious decisions can make a huge difference. When planning your next event, there are many things to take into account including venue selection, transportation, food and beverage, and technology. Here are three ways to “go green” and make your next event sustainable!
1. Reduce Paper Usage
We are living in a digital world, and while planning events we can utilize it to our full advantage. Using online programs can help not only the environment but also help track and make data-driven decisions. Create digital invitations, utilize social media for marketing, create an event website, and send follow-up emails and surveys via email after your event. Embrace the digital world and stay paperless!
2. Plan for Proper Waste Disposal
Waste management should not be a forgotten step in your event planning process. The typical types of waste to plan for are:
- Organic waste: food leftovers, beverages, biodegradable decor (flowers)
- General waste: plastics, balloon remanence, single-use cups and plates, napkins
- Recyclable waste: paper waste, cans, glass, cardboard
Setting up a proper waste disposal system can make a huge sustainable difference. Have proper bins as well as signage for each bin. This can be a great way to reduce the amount of waste that is sent to landfills from an event.
3. Reduce your Event’s Carbon Footprint
There is a lot of travel involved in attending an event. This increases the amount of carbon dioxide being emitted into the atmosphere. Reduce this by creating a transportation plan!
- Group Transportation Options- if guests are staying at the same hotel organize a shared shuttle system. Shuttle multiple people to your event rather than having them individually drive to the venue.
- Venue Selection- choose a location that is a short commute for your attendees or where they will have easily accessible public transportation.
Sustainable event planning is making the conscious decision to reduce the environmental impact of your event. With these three steps you can minimize the environmental effects of your next event!
