Hosting events can be a lot of fun, but they often come with a significant environmental impact. From the energy used to power the event to the waste generated by attendees, events can contribute to climate change and harm the planet. However, there are many ways that you can reduce your environmental footprint when planning your next event.
By implementing sustainable practices and making conscious choices, you can create an enjoyable event while minimising its impact on the environment. In this article, we will explore some practical tips for reducing your environmental footprint at your next event. Let’s get started:
The Covid-19 Epidemic and its Impact on Sustainability
The Covid-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the way we live and work, and it has also brought sustainability to the forefront of our minds. As the world went into lockdown, many people began to take notice of the positive effects that reduced human activity was having on the environment.
With fewer cars on the road and planes in the sky, air pollution levels dropped dramatically in many cities around the world. This pause in our daily lives gave us an opportunity to reflect on our impact on the planet and consider how we can make more sustainable choices going forward. The percentage of UK consumers who aspire to live a more sustainable lifestyle is increasing year on year, with 73% expressing their desire to do so since 2021.
One area where this reflection is particularly relevant is in event planning. The Covid-19 epidemic has forced many events to be cancelled or postponed, which has given event planners an opportunity to consider how they can make their events more sustainable when they resume. From reducing waste to going plastic free, there are many ways that event planners can reduce their environmental footprint when planning an event.
Green energy
Consider using solar power for your event. Solar panels are an excellent source of renewable energy and can be used to power various aspects of an event, such as lighting and sound systems. You can hire solar panels from companies that specialise in providing sustainable event solutions or invest in purchasing them for long-term use.
Secondly, you can use wind power as another source of green energy at your next event. Wind turbines generate electricity by harnessing the power of wind and converting it into clean, renewable energy. If your event is held in a location with consistent wind patterns, you can consider hiring a wind turbine to provide sustainable energy for your event needs.
Go plastic free
One of the most significant ways to reduce your environmental footprint when planning an event is by going plastic-free. Plastic waste is a major contributor to pollution and has a devastating impact on our oceans, wildlife, and ecosystems. By eliminating single-use plastics from your event, you can significantly reduce their impact on the environment.
This can be achieved through a variety of methods, including using compostable or reusable plates and cutlery, providing water refill stations instead of bottled water, and using reusable cups instead of disposable plastic cups.
Going plastic-free not only helps the environment but also sends a message to attendees that sustainability is a priority for your event. By making conscious choices about the materials used at your event, you are setting an example for others to follow. Additionally, going plastic-free may even save you money in the long run as many sustainable alternatives are cost-effective and can be reused multiple times.
Catering
Catering is an essential component of any event, and it’s also an area where you can make a significant impact on reducing your environmental footprint. One way to do this is by choosing local and organic food options. By supporting local farmers, you’re not only reducing the carbon emissions associated with long-distance transportation but also promoting sustainable agriculture practices that are better for the environment.
Another way to reduce your environmental footprint through catering is by minimizing food waste. You can achieve this by working closely with your caterer to estimate how much food will be needed for your event, avoiding overproduction and ensuring that leftovers are donated or composted.
Hybrid or Virtual
One of the most effective ways to reduce the environmental footprint of your event is by going hybrid or virtual. This approach means that some attendees can participate in the event virtually, reducing the need for travel and associated emissions. By using video conferencing and live streaming technology, you can connect with a wider audience without sacrificing engagement and interaction.
Going virtual also reduces the amount of paper used at events. Instead of printing out materials such as brochures, agendas, and handouts, all information can be shared digitally. This not only saves trees but also reduces waste production from discarded paper products.
Additionally, it’s easier to track attendance and collect feedback through digital platforms, which can help organisers better understand attendee preferences while minimizing their environmental impact.
Choose the right company
Choosing the right event management company can make a significant impact on reducing your environmental footprint. Companies like Concept Event Solutions are great at sustainable event planning, providing solutions that minimise waste and promote eco-friendly practices. They work closely with clients to understand their sustainability goals and develop plans that align with those objectives.
One way these companies reduce environmental impact is through venue selection. By choosing venues that prioritize eco-friendly practices such as renewable energy, water conservation, and sustainable materials, they can reduce the carbon footprint of an event significantly. Additionally, they work with vendors who share their commitment to sustainability, such as caterers who use locally sourced ingredients or florists who avoid using harmful pesticides.
Recycling
The obvious one… Recycling is an essential part of reducing the environmental impact of events. By promoting recycling, you can divert waste from landfills and conserve valuable resources. One effective way to promote recycling is by using designated bins throughout the event space.
Designated bins make it easy for attendees to recycle their waste properly. By placing clearly labelled bins for different materials such as paper, plastic, and glass in high-traffic areas, attendees are more likely to recycle correctly. Additionally, having dedicated staff members or volunteers who monitor the bins can help ensure that recyclable materials are not contaminated with non-recyclables.
To take your recycling efforts even further, consider partnering with local organisations or companies that specialise in waste management and recycling.
Conclusion
In summary, there are many ways to reduce the environmental impact of events. Choosing a sustainable venue, using digital communication, reducing food waste, providing eco-friendly transportation options, and using sustainable promotional products are all effective ways to minimise the environmental footprint of your event.
