Go Green: 4 Tips to Plan an Eco-Friendly Event

In an era where environmental consciousness has become a growing concern, planning eco-friendly events is no longer just a trend; it’s a responsible way to celebrate and create unforgettable moments while minimizing our impact on the planet. As an event planner, you have the power to influence and inspire others to adopt sustainable practices in their celebrations. Embracing eco-friendly event planning not only benefits the environment but also adds a unique and memorable touch to any occasion. In today’s blog, we’ll explore four easy ways you can begin to integrate eco-friendly practices into your regular event planning.

Choose a Sustainable Venue

A great way to plan an eco-friendly event is by selecting a venue that aligns with sustainable values. Seek venues prioritizing environmentally friendly practices, such as renewable energy sources, efficient waste management, and water conservation. Consider hosting events outdoors, in gardens, parks, or beaches, where the natural environment can become an integral part of the celebration (weather permitting of course).

To further reduce the event’s carbon footprint, opt for venues that are easily accessible by public transportation or encourage guests to carpool. This not only helps reduce emissions but also fosters a sense of community and shared responsibility. Most venues will now have a page on their website that outlines any sustainability practices they have integrated. For example, check out the Edmonton Events Centre (ECC) website page, Farm to Fork. This page is solely dedicated to speaking about regionally-sourced ingredients, supporting Alberta’s agricultural industry, and more!

Mindful Menu Planning

Food and beverage play a significant role in any event, and being mindful of the menu can contribute to your event’s ecological footprint. Collaborate with caterers and chefs who prioritize locally sourced, organic, and seasonal ingredients. Locally sourced food reduces transportation emissions and supports regional farmers. As mentioned in the previous section, the ECC does a great job at advertising this on their website, and from someone who has tried the food at the venue, it’s excellent!

Embrace the concept of “zero waste” by avoiding single-use plastics and disposable cutlery. Opt for compostable or reusable plates, glasses, and utensils instead. You can even discuss donating any surplus food to local charities, ensuring that no edible food goes to waste.

Another thing to note is to ensure that you have plant-based or vegetarian menu options. Not only does this reduce meat consumption, it offers reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, but it is also important you cater to each attendee in the audience. What you may consider doing during registration is asking attendees if there are any dietary restrictions or preferences to ensure you provide enough plant-based and vegetarian options.

Eco-Friendly Decor

Decorations add charm and character to any event, and now there are various eco-friendly options to choose from. Embrace the beauty of nature by incorporating potted plants, flowers, and seasonal foliage into your decor. This can create a delightful ambiance, but it can also be given away as eco-friendly party favor or replanted afterward.

Try to avoid using balloons and plastic decorations. There are biodegradable alternatives like paper or fabric decorations. Get creative with upcycled materials or repurposed objects for unique and sustainable decor solutions.

Incorporate energy-efficient lighting, such as LED bulbs and solar-powered lamps, which depending on the event, can really set the mood while minimizing energy consumption.

Need help with the decor for your event? Look no further, Decor Crate has you covered. Decor Crate is a customizable decoration solution provided by Planit Events Inc. Let us do the work for you and deliver your personalized crate right to your door. For more information, visit our website.

Embrace Digital Invitations and Communication

In the age of technology, paper invitations and physical RSVPs are becoming outdated (depending on the event) and can contribute to unnecessary waste. If paper invitations are necessary, opt for recycled paper, or flower seed paper, and encourage guests to recycle or repurpose them after the event. If it suits your event, embrace digital invitations and communication platforms to send event invites, updates, and reminders. Websites, email invites, and social media are excellent tools for reaching a wider audience while reducing paper consumption. In this day and age, everyone has their phone on them which can give them quick access to the event program and information. Consider setting up a QR code guests can scan when they arrive to quickly access information.

In a changing world, it is important for an event planner to follow industry trends and changes like moving towards eco-friendly events. By choosing sustainable venues, mindful menu planning, eco-friendly decor, and embracing digital invitations, you can craft memorable events that leave a positive impact on the planet and set an example for the industry. You can still plan the event of a lifetime in a sustainable way, you just need to get a bit creative! If you need help with the planning process and are looking to make more sustainable choices, send us a message and we would be happy to help.