With the effects of climate change continuing to appear worldwide, it’s important for organizations to evaluate their impact on the environment–and how it could be improved.
Whether it’s a one-time large-scale event or a series of smaller events that add up over time, don’t let hosting your events be wasteful. In 2022 we can all pledge to do our part in being a bit more eco-friendly.
Not sure where to start with sustainability? Here are 8 manageable ways your event or venue can become more green:
- Establish an environmental policy: As an organization, company or association, draft a policy outlining your sustainability efforts and commitment to protecting the environment.
- Reduce single-waste plastic: A growing number of states have banned the use of single-waste items like cups, straws, plates or cutlery. If these items aren’t recycled properly, they can end up in the oceans. Start small by ditching straws and work towards a totally plastic-free event.
- Go digital: You can also reduce the use of paper by going digital whenever possible! This could be anything from sending out invitations via email or offering mobile-friendly tickets.
- Choose LED for lighting: Still using fluorescent lighting? It’s time to switch to LED lights! These lights consume less power, thus saving energy and reducing carbon emissions.
- Offer water bottle refill stations: From crew to attendees, think about the hundreds of empty plastic water bottles that just one event can make. Instead, encourage attendees to bring in their own reusable water bottles and install refill stations around the venue.
- Don’t forget about recycling: Make sure there are multiple receptacles for people to recycle any plastic, glass or paper into. These should be easy to find and stationed by food areas, entrances, exits and along pathways.
- Cut food waste: Depending on the type of venue or event, reducing food waste can be achieved in a multitude of ways such as serving locally-sourced produce, sustainably-sourced seafood, requesting biodegradable containers, or donating any surplus food.
- Encourage more eco-friendly transportation: Your sustainable event will still leave a significant carbon footprint if everyone is driving their own cars in. Think about your venue and what could be feasible–is there public transportation people can use? Are there chargers for people driving an electric vehicle?
- Be flexible: Many organizers, artists and performers are also looking for ways to make their events more eco-friendly whether that’s through vendor partnerships or requesting venues to be plastic-free. Be open to hearing new ideas and adapting for greener event.
Making small, positive changes to your venue will limit your organization’s environmental impact, and your attendees will thank you for it.
Have any creative ways your fair, venue or festival went a little more green? We’d love to hear them!