With the increasing awareness of climate change and limited natural resources, sustainability in event planning has become a bigger priority in recent years.
The events industry generates waste from discarded signage, food waste, transportation emissions and more. This can contribute to landfill overflow, pollution and resource depletion.
In this blog, we will offer suggestions for planning a more eco-friendly event.
When choosing a venue, you should consider things like its proximity to public transit and availability of eco-friendly amenities.
An ideal eco-friendly event venue should be close to public transportation, like train stations and bus stops, which will encourage attendees to travel sustainably. A one-stop facility that meets all your needs is also recommended. For example, a venue that can accommodate the ceremony, reception, cocktails and dinner for a wedding will eliminate the need for guests to travel to multiple locations.
You can usually tell a venue’s commitment to sustainability if they offer things like energy-efficient lighting, water conservation and recycling programs.
Choose sustainable food optionsThe catering choices for an event can also have a substantial environmental impact. For a more sustainable event, you should prioritize sourcing local and seasonal food, minimizing food waste and choosing eco-friendly serving options.
Locally sourced ingredients help to reduce the carbon emissions associated with transportation, while seasonal ingredients are more likely to be grown using sustainable farming practices.
When it comes to the types of food served, plant-based options are generally more sustainable than animal-based products, as they require fewer resources to produce and have a lower environmental impact. Plant-based dishes can help you reduce the event’s carbon footprint while also accommodating dietary preferences and restrictions of attendees. You can also ditch bottled water in favor of refill stations.
And lastly, how the food is served can also have a significant impact. Opt for reusable or compostable serving ware and avoid single-use plastics to minimize waste. You could also consider implementing a food donation program to ensure that any leftover food is put to good use rather than ending up in a landfill.
For your invitations, programs, and signage, you can opt for recycled or sustainably sourced options, or go digital with e-invites and digital programs to minimize paper waste.
When it comes to your decorations, you can choose reusable or biodegradable items, energy-efficient lighting, and live plants or flowers that can be repurposed or donated after the event. Plus, it helps if you choose a venue that already offers beautiful views, thus requiring less decorations in general.
And rent as much as possible! Glassware, plates, cutlery, serving platters, utensils and linens décor are great candidates for rentals.
Provide recycling optionsRecycling stations should be strategically placed throughout the event venue, with clearly labeled bins for different types of recyclable materials. You may also provide compost bins for food waste and other compostable materials.
If you’d like to give a gift to attendees, consider something natural like native seeds for guests to plant.
Highlight your eco-friendly initiatives through your event communications including the invitation and event signage. This will encourage guests to join in!
Now you know how to plan an eco-friendly event! But if it still seems daunting, St. Bonavenue can help. Our dedicated event management team can guide you every step of the way. We on-site catering, A/V services, and equipment rentals and can make personalized recommendations based on your unique needs.
Talk to us about your event today! We will work hard to bring your unique taste, style and budget together for an event that leaves a lasting impression on your guests.