If you’ve ever had to plan an event, you’ll know how much effort is required in choosing the best location and setting up tech. And of course, making it memorable for guests. We often forget that events cause a lot of waste and use up a lot of energy.
It’s about time for a shift. The public is increasingly recognizing that an event doesn’t have to have a large environmental impact. Whether you’re organizing a small team offsite or a major hybrid conference, promoting sustainable events isn’t just the responsible thing to do it’s the smart thing to do.
Why should you go green for your event?
You might be amazed by this number An average three-day celebration with 500 people can produce about 2,835kg of waste and consume nearly 300000 kWh of electricity. This is not only huge, but it’s also an enormous opportunity to improve.
Today’s attendees care about sustainability. They would like to see their favorite companies and brands walking the walk. If you make the effort to implement sustainable event planning, you’re more than just helping the environment but demonstrating to your guests that your beliefs go beyond the stage or the screen.
Simple Waste Management Strategies to reduce the amount of clutter
Let’s begin by addressing waste. Even the smallest event can produce a lot of mess. There’s single-use plastics, as well as leftover food. Also, there may be printed brochures which no one has read. If you’re willing to make a few changes the sustainable management of waste is much easier than you think.
Here are a few small modifications that go a very long way:
1. Choose compostable or recyclable alternatives for plastic cups as well as other utensils.
2. Use QR codes or other event apps instead.
3. Give away leftovers. If you’re working with caterers you can ask them to donate any leftover food items to local charities.
4. Set up recycling stations: Let your guests know how to dispose of items responsibly.
The goal isn’t perfection it’s improvement. Every single bit of waste you reduce or divert is a triumph.
How to manage energy as if you’re the pros (without being one)
There is no need to be an engineer to make wise decisions regarding your energy usage. Simply being aware of the amount of power events use is a first step towards changes. Energy management strategies for events do not have to mean the loss of comfort or technology. You just have to be aware of how you apply these strategies.
Here are a few easy ways to lower your energy consumption:
1. Select venues that have sustainability certifications or renewable energy sources.
2. For displays and AV using LED lights, make sure to use energy-efficient equipment.
3. You can host virtual or hybrid events in order to reduce the cost of travel and venue.
4. Simple is best: most elegant configurations generally require less power.
Create an experience with the same impact, but using less resources.
GreenUP Checklist, Your Secret Weapon
The GreenUP Checklist is a great tool to help you to get started. It breaks down each step into simple, actionable steps.
The checklist is based off the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals to make sure you are aligning yourself with something more than just the occasion you’re attending.
You can have a positive impact
It’s about not being perfect it’s about being intentional. You can aid in helping the industry shift to an improved place by following one or ten steps.
The event you host will be remembered because of the speakers, the interaction and the aspect that it wasn’t old-fashioned or wasteful. So go ahead, take charge with conviction and demonstrate to your guests that taking care of the earth is a part of the event.
