If you’ve ever thought of organizing an event you’re aware of how much goes into selecting the right venue in addition to setting up equipment, making sure your guests are greeted by a warm welcome and, of course, creating a memorable event. This is something that many fail to realize that events can generate an enormous amount of waste, and require massive amounts of energy.
It’s the right time to make an effort to change. The public is increasingly recognizing that an event doesn’t have to have a massive environmental impact. It doesn’t matter if you’re putting together a small team offsite or a major hybrid conference, encouraging sustainable events isn’t just the responsible thing to do it’s the best way to go about it.
Why should you go green with your Event?
This number might surprise you: A typical 3-day event with 500 people can generate approximately 2,835 kilograms of waste, and consume around 300,000 kWh in energy. It’s not just an enormous number, it’s also a chance to make improvements.
People today are worried about sustainability. They want their preferred brands to be seen as being environmentally friendly. 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.
Simple Waste Management Strategies to reduce the amount of clutter
Let’s begin by eliminating waste. The pile of garbage that is left at events is often a goldmine. This includes single-use items and food scraps along with printed materials and brochures that no one reads. However, with a bit of effort sustainability in waste management can be much easier than you think.
Here are a few simple changes that will go a way:
1. Ditch disposables: Swap out plastic cups and utensils to compostable or reusable options.
2. Go paperless: Use QR codes or event apps instead of printed programs.
3. Donate leftovers. If you are working with caterers you can ask them to donate excess food items to local charitable organizations.
4. Recycling stations are a great opportunity to motivate people to reuse.
It’s not the perfection that counts however, it’s the advancement. Reduce or redirecting garbage is a good step.
The art of managing energy like a pro (Without Becoming One)
You don’t have to be an engineer to make intelligent energy choices. The first step towards making changes is simply being aware of the amount of power that events consume. When we talk about ways to manage energy consumption for events, this does not mean you need to compromise comfort or technology. It’s just that you should be aware of the ways in which they are utilized.
Here are some easy ways to reduce energy usage:
1. Be sure to look for places that are sustainable or use renewable energy.
2. Use LED lighting and energy-efficient equipment for displays and AV.
3. You can organize hybrid or virtual events in order to minimize the cost of travel and venue.
4. Simple is best. The best configurations consume less energy.
The goal is to provide an experience that is as thrilling, yet uses fewer resources.
The GreenUP Checklist: Your Secret Weapon
The GreenUP Checklist is a great tool to start your journey. It will break down the steps required to an environmentally friendly event into easy, practical steps whether that’s working with vendors using eco-friendly materials, or just encouraging guests to take public transport.
The Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations are the basis for this checklist. So you’ll know that your event is linked to something much larger.
You have the power to change the world
It’s not about perfectionism and being a conscious participant. No matter if you only take one step or ten, you’re helping shift the way events are run to make it better.
The audience will remember the outstanding speakers, the enjoyable conversations, and most importantly the aspect that the event didn’t seem sloppy or outdated. Set the tone with intention and make sure to show that the event was about taking care of our planet.