The best and most effective way to host a green event is to plan for the environment from the very beginning. By asking questions, planning ahead, and considering the environment in your choices, an event of any size can be made more sustainable.
Decorations
- If you host an event annually, avoid putting the date on print materials and decorations, so you can reuse the same decorations year after year.
- Rather than buying new, consider used decorations from thrift stores or online resale marketplaces.
Food options
- Avoid bottled water where possible.
- Purchase products and services that meet environmental specifications wherever these are available such as fair trade coffee, organic and locally grown foods.
- Offer foods according to seasonal fruit and vegetables available locally.
- Consider what type of food service would have the least waste — buffet, sit-down, a-la-carte.
- Provide information on the source of all food and beverages, especially if fair trade or local.
- Donate leftover food to a food rescue organization.
Waste and recycling
- Use the Waste Connections guide for waste management
- If needed, contact Waste Connections to request equipment from their event lending library.
- Setup a system for collecting recyclables and food scraps.
- Research available waste options and know where to take materials.
- Use signs for recycling and food waste containers.
Venue considerations (for offsite events)
- Find a venue that shares similar values/policies as your business.
- Ensure the space can be set up for composting and recycling.
- Choose a venue that reduces transportation needs.
