Transforming Events: A Guide to Greening Your Gatherings
Are you ready to make a positive impact on the environment while hosting memorable events?
From weddings to corporate conferences, there's a growing trend toward sustainability in event planning. In this guide, we'll explore actionable steps and ideas to help you transform your events into green, sustainable experiences that leave a lasting impression on your guests and the planet.
Let's embark on a journey to create events that are not only beautiful and enjoyable but also environmentally responsible.
Plan for recycling as soon as you begin planning your event.
This will allow you ample time to obtain recycle containers and make signs for them before the event begins. Of course, it would be much better if there were recycle bins everywhere there are trash cans. But for now, it is important to place a recycle bin next to each trash can. Often, you'll need less than half the number of trash cans used before recycling, since recyclables make up a large percentage of the “trash". Because the goal is to make recycling easier than wasting, the more people grow accustomed to seeing recycle bins next to trash cans, the better. Even if you don't think you need a recycle bin at your event, consider placing one there anyway. The latest information from the Container Recycling Institute finds that more than 560 billion containers were wasted in the USA in 2019.
Offset the carbon you can't control at your event.
Native Energy is a proven organization that help build and support new clean and renewable sources of energy. They focus on reducing global warming pollution and create sustainable economies for Native Americans, family farmers, and local communities.
Only use items that can be recycled in your community.
Or, take it a step further and use large, multi-serving containers. Serve beverages in reusable dishware. (Maybe several groups could pitch in and buy a good set of reusable dishware that could be shared by various groups. Ditto for cloth napkins.)
Make sure vendors are help accountable as well.
If you will have vendors at your location, make sure to ask them to only use the items recyclable in your community. Ask them to put a sign at their site encouraging recycling of the items they sell. That means less time for you pulling the recyclables from the trash can! Make sure to let them know they can break down their cardboard and place it by a recycle container.
Use digital advertising or recycled paper.
Paper production and waste is considered to be the 3rd leading cause of climate changing greenhouse gas emissions and forest destruction. When you put up a flyer for your event, make sure it is printed on recycled paper that can be recycled in your community. Make a list of the places where you have hung flyers, and go retrieve them for recycling right after the event. Include a line on the bottom of your flyer saying something like “This flyer is made from recycled paper that can be recycled at...”. It may seem like a small thing, but it's not! This sets a great example about being responsible for the things we put out in the world. Read this article on the environmental impact of paper.
So much good compost.
Coffee grounds, tea bags, fruit and vegetable leavings make great compost. Consider placing compost buckets next to your recycling bin, which is next to your trash can.
Contact us for support!
Contact Moab Solutions for a consultation on your event recycle system. We are constantly learning about the best way to collect recycling at events large and small and are more than happy to share our thoughts about recycling at your event with you. Or, tell us what we need to add to this guide! (435) 401-4685.