If you’ve been involved in planning a party you’re aware of how much is involved in finding the right venue in addition to setting up equipment to ensure your guests are comfortable, and, of course, creating a memorable event. A lot of us do not realize that events can create many wastes and use up a lot of energy.
It’s time to implement a change. The world is beginning to wake up to the truth that events do not necessarily have to be damaging to the environment. It doesn’t matter if you’re putting together a small group offsite or a large hybrid conference, encouraging sustainable events isn’t just the right option, it’s also the most efficient thing to do.
Why should you go green with your Event?
You might be surprised by this number An average three-day celebration with 500 people can produce approximately 2,835kg waste and consume around 300000 kWh of electricity. It’s not just an enormous number; it’s an opportunity to make improvements.
People today are worried about sustainability. They want to know that their preferred brands and businesses live up to their claims. When you take steps toward sustainable event planning, you’re not just helping the planet you’re showing your audience that your values go beyond the stage or the screen.
The art of cutting clutter: Simple Waste Management Wins
Let’s begin by addressing waste. Events can be a treasure trove of unneeded clutter, single-use plastics, leftover food, printed brochures that no one has time to read, and so on. With a little planning, waste management that is sustainable could be accomplished.
Here are some minor changes that can make a significant change:
1. Replace disposables with compostable, or recyclable alternatives.
2. Go paperless: Use QR codes or event apps instead of printed materials.
3. Give away leftovers. If you work with caterers you can ask them to donate any leftover food to local charitable organizations.
4. Establish recycling stations to make it easier for participants to dispose of their items in a responsible and sustainable manner.
It’s not perfection that matters it’s improvement. Reducing or diverting the waste produced is a good thing.
How to manage energy like an expert (without having the status of one)
Making intelligent energy choices doesn’t require you to be an engineer expert. Becoming aware of how much energy events use is the first step towards change. Energy management strategies for events do not require cutting back on comfort or technology. It’s just important to be mindful about the way you utilize these.
Here are some easy strategies to reduce your energy consumption:
1. Consider the possibility of locating a venue that is certified sustainable or use renewable energy.
2. For AV and displays for AV and displays, you should use LED lighting and energy-efficient equipment.
3. It is possible to host virtual or hybrid events to cut down on expenses for travel and venue.
4. Keep things simple: The most elegant setups usually require less power.
Create an experience with the same effect, but with less resources.
The GreenUP Checklist: Your Secret Weapon
If you’re not sure what to do next with your event, tools like the GreenUP Checklist can make life a lot easier. It breaks down each step into simple, actionable steps.
This checklist is based on the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, so you know you’re aligning with something bigger that just your particular event.
You are able to change the world
At the end of the day, promoting green events doesn’t require being perfect it’s about being intentional. If you make one step or ten, you’re helping shift the industry of events towards something more sustainable.
The event you host will be remembered because of the speakers, the interactions and the fact that it did not appear outdated or wasteful. Make sure that your attendees know that respect for the environment is a part of an event by leading with a purpose.
