Planning an event is a lot of work. It’s about choosing the right venue and setting up the technology and making your guests feel welcome, and making it memorable. But what a lot people overlook: events can generate an enormous amount of waste and consume an impressive amount of energy.
It’s high time to make an effort to change. People are becoming more aware. are becoming aware that events don’t need to create a huge environmental footprint. 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 Green Your Event?
This number might shock you If you attend a typical 3-day gathering that has 500 participants can produce approximately 2,835 kilograms of waste and use nearly 300,000 kWh of energy. That’s not just a big amount, it’s an opportunity to do better.
Sustainability is an issue for today’s customers. They want to see evidence that their favourite brands and businesses live up to their claims. If you organize a sustainable event, you not only help the environment, but also show your audience that you have something more than just a screen or the stage.
The art of cutting clutter: Simple Waste Management Wins
Let’s start by tackling the issue of waste. Events can turn into a goldmine of unused clutter that is caused by single-use plastics, leftover food, printed brochures that no one has time to read, and so on. However, with a bit of effort the sustainable management of waste is much easier than you think.
Here are a few changes that go a far:
1. Switch out disposables and plastic cups and utensils for recyclable options that are compostable or reusable.
2. Instead of printed event program instead, you can use apps or QR codes instead.
3. Donate leftovers. If you’re working with caterers solicit them to give away excess food items to local charitable organizations.
4. Recycling stations are a great opportunity to motivate people to reuse.
Progress is the goal but not perfect. Each waste item you reduce or divert is an accomplishment.
How to manage your energy like a pro (Without Being One)
Making smart energy decisions does not require an engineer expert. Just being conscious of the energy events consume is the first step toward changes. And when we talk about strategies for managing energy during events isn’t about sacrificing convenience or technological capabilities, it’s just about being aware of the way you utilize them.
Here are some easy ways to decrease your energy use:
1. Look for the possibility of locating a venue that is certified green or make use of renewable energy sources.
2. Use LED lighting as well as energy-efficient equipment for displays and AV.
3. You can host hybrid or virtual events in order to minimize the expense of travel and venue.
4. Make it easy. The best setups use less energy.
Create an experience with the same impact, but using less resources.
GreenUP Checklist GreenUP Checklist Your Secret Weapon
The GreenUP Checklist is a great tool to help you begin. The checklist breaks every step into clear, actionable steps.
This checklist is based around the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals So you can be sure you’re aligning with something bigger than your own event.
You’re in the position to Change the World
In the end, promoting sustainable events doesn’t mean being perfect, but rather being deliberate. When you take a step or ten, you’re helping shift the event industry toward something better.
The event you host will be remembered for the speakers, the interactions and the fact that it did not appear old-fashioned or wasteful. Show your audience how caring for the environment is part of your event by leading by example.