In today’s world, sustainability is more than just a buzzword—it’s a necessity. According to a study by Cornell University researchers., the events industry is accountable for 10% of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions. With the event industry significantly contributing to waste and carbon emissions, it’s crucial to rethink how we organise gatherings.
Whether it’s a corporate conference, wedding, or festival, planning an eco-friendly event is easier than you might think. By making conscious decisions, you can host a spectacular event while reducing your environmental impact. Here are 20 eco-friendly ideas to make your event more sustainable.
What Are Sustainable Events?
Sustainable event examples are those planned and executed with environmental, economic, and social factors in mind. They aim to minimise the negative impact on the environment while creating positive outcomes for both the community and participants. Sustainable events incorporate eco-friendly practices throughout all stages, from planning to execution and even post-event activities.
How Can We Make Events Green?
Making events more sustainable requires a comprehensive approach, from the venue choice to the materials used. By adopting eco-friendly alternatives and promoting sustainable event planning, event planners can significantly reduce waste and energy consumption.
Let’s dive into the 20 actionable ideas that can help make your event more eco-conscious.
1. Choose a Green Venue
The venue you select plays a significant role in determining how environmentally sustainable your event will be. Look for venues that have eco-friendly certifications, such as LEED, which indicates that the building meets environmental standards. Venues that prioritise energy efficiency, waste reduction, and water conservation should be your top choice. Green venues often use renewable energy sources, have natural lighting, and implement recycling and composting programs, which all contribute to lowering the carbon footprint of your event.
2. Minimise Paper Usage
Paper waste is a common issue at events. Avoid printed invitations, brochures, and schedules whenever possible. Instead, opt for digital invitations or create an event app that provides all the necessary information. If you must use paper, ensure it’s recycled, and print just what’s essential. For conference materials or guides, consider offering digital versions that attendees can easily access on their phones or tablets, reducing the need for printed copies.
3. Sustainable Transportation Options
One of the largest contributors to the carbon footprint of events is transportation, especially if attendees are flying in from different locations. Encourage the use of public transport, bicycles, or electric vehicles by offering discounts or incentives. You can also provide shuttle services using electric or hybrid buses to transport guests to and from the venue. For local events, promote carpooling or partner with ride-sharing services that offer eco-friendly options. Reducing individual car use lowers emissions and eases traffic congestion.
4. Use Reusable or Compostable Products
Events often generate a significant amount of waste from single-use items like plastic cups, cutlery, and plates. To combat this, invest in reusable products or choose items made from biodegradable or compostable materials. For example, plates made from palm leaves or cutlery made from bamboo decompose naturally, unlike plastic, which can take centuries to break down. Offering reusable cups or providing eco-friendly alternatives reduces landfill waste.
5. Eco-Friendly Catering
Food plays a major role in the environmental impact of an event. Partner with caterers that focus on sustainability by offering organic, locally sourced, and seasonal ingredients. Local sourcing reduces the carbon footprint associated with transportation, while organic food supports farming practices that are better for the environment. You can also incorporate plant-based options into the menu, as they tend to have a much lower environmental impact compared to meat and dairy products. Additionally, ensure that no disposable containers or plastic utensils are used during catering.
6. Water Stations Over Bottled Water
Providing bottled water at events leads to massive plastic waste. A more sustainable approach is to set up water refill stations around the venue. Encourage attendees to bring their own reusable bottles or provide sustainable alternatives made from stainless steel or glass as part of the event swag. Refill stations cut down on waste and reduce the environmental toll of manufacturing and transporting bottled water.
7. Offer Virtual Event Options
Incorporating virtual components into your event can significantly reduce the environmental impact. Hybrid events, where some attendees participate in person while others join online, reduce travel-related emissions. Fully virtual events eliminate the need for travel, accommodation, and the associated carbon footprint entirely. Virtual attendance also broadens accessibility, allowing people from around the world to participate without the environmental cost.
8. Sustainable Event Decorations
Decorations often end up as waste after a single use. To minimise this, consider reusable or rented decorations. For example, plants can be used as both decoration and party favours, or you can opt for upcycled materials to create unique decor. You can also incorporate biodegradable materials such as natural fabrics, recycled paper, or wooden elements. By avoiding one-time-use decorations, you not only reduce waste but also save money.
9. Donate Leftover Food
Food waste is a significant issue at many events. Rather than discarding uneaten food, arrange to donate leftovers to local shelters, food banks, or community kitchens. Many organisations specialise in redistributing food safely to those in need, which not only reduces waste but also supports people in your community. Work with your caterer to ensure proper food handling to meet safety standards during the donation process.
10. Recycle and Compost Waste
Ensure that recycling and compost bins are available throughout the venue. Label bins clearly to help attendees dispose of their waste correctly. By separating recyclables from organic waste and general trash, you can significantly reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills. Additionally, composting organic materials like food scraps and biodegradable utensils helps turn waste into valuable soil nutrients.
11. Opt for Eco-Friendly Swag
Event swag often includes items that are quickly discarded, leading to unnecessary waste. Offer attendees more sustainable options like reusable water bottles, bamboo pens, or eco-friendly notebooks. You could also allow participants to opt out of receiving swag if they don’t need it. Another creative idea is offering digital swag—such as downloadable resources or vouchers—to reduce physical waste altogether.
12. Limit Energy Consumption
Energy consumption is often high at large events, especially when lighting, sound systems, and air conditioning are in use. To mitigate this, choose energy-efficient LED lighting and equipment that uses less power. You can also schedule daytime events to take advantage of natural sunlight, minimising the need for artificial lighting. If possible, choose venues that use renewable energy sources, such as solar or wind power, to further reduce the event’s carbon footprint.
13. Use Biodegradable Signage
Traditional event signage made from plastic or vinyl often ends up as landfill waste. Instead, opt for eco-friendly materials like cardboard, fabric, or even digital signage. Biodegradable signage breaks down naturally and leaves no lasting environmental impact. Another option is using reusable signage that can be stored and used at future events, further reducing waste.
14. Encourage Carbon Offset Programs
While it’s difficult to eliminate all environmental impacts, you can neutralise some of them by supporting carbon offset programs. Many organisations allow you to invest in environmental projects like reforestation or renewable energy initiatives to compensate for your event’s carbon emissions. You can also encourage attendees to offset their travel emissions by partnering with carbon offset programs. This creates a more sustainable event while contributing to global environmental efforts.
15. Green Cleaning Practices
The cleaning products used during and after events often contain harmful chemicals that can pollute water and soil. Ensure that the cleaning staff uses green, eco-friendly products that are biodegradable and free from toxic substances. Green cleaning practices reduce environmental harm while creating a healthier space for attendees and staff. If possible, choose a venue that already incorporates sustainable cleaning methods.
16. Sustainable Event Merchandise
If you plan to sell merchandise at your event, make sure it aligns with your sustainability goals. Choose products made from organic or recycled materials, such as organic cotton T-shirts or tote bags made from recycled plastics. Avoid producing more merchandise than necessary to prevent overstock, which often leads to excess waste. Offering sustainable merchandise not only reduces your event’s environmental footprint but also promotes eco-conscious branding.
17. Promote Environmental Awareness
Events provide an excellent platform to raise awareness about sustainability. Include information about your eco-friendly initiatives in your promotional materials and event announcements. You can also offer workshops or panels focused on environmental issues, giving attendees the opportunity to learn more about sustainability. Collaborating with environmental organisations or charities can further emphasise your event’s commitment to green practices.
18. Reduce Printing
Printing materials such as programs, brochures, and name tags can lead to excessive paper waste. To reduce this, go digital by offering mobile apps, websites, or downloadable PDFs that provide attendees with all the information they need. For necessary printed materials, use eco-friendly paper and ensure it is printed using sustainable inks. Additionally, you can minimise waste by printing on both sides of the paper and keeping print runs to a minimum.
19. Choose Low-Impact Event Activities
Certain activities can have a higher environmental impact than others. Choose low-impact activities that promote environmental consciousness or physical well-being, such as outdoor yoga, nature walks, or eco-friendly workshops. By choosing activities that encourage interaction with the natural environment, you help reduce energy consumption while providing attendees with a more enriching experience.
20. Post-Event Sustainability Audits
Once the event is over, conduct a sustainability audit to assess its environmental impact. Review data on waste production, energy consumption, and transportation emissions. Gathering feedback from attendees on the success of your eco-friendly initiatives can also provide insights for future improvements. This audit will help you identify areas where you succeeded and opportunities for further reducing the environmental footprint at your next event.
Conclusion
Sustainability in event planning is no longer just an option—it’s an obligation. By incorporating these eco-friendly ideas into your event, you’re reducing its environmental footprint and setting an example for attendees and the broader community. Remember, every small step toward sustainability makes a big difference. With thoughtful planning and a commitment to eco-friendly practices, your next event can be a shining example of how to host responsibly.
