June 12, 2024
There’s a growing focus on sustainability, and events are no exception. Whether a wedding, corporate conference, music festival, or any other occasion, events have the potential to leave a substantial ecological footprint. This however, doesn’t mean we should stop having events altogether!
Instead, we can incorporate sustainable practices into event planning, helping minimize an event’s impact and contribute to a healthier planet. Here, we’ll cover three areas to pay special attention to when planning your next event, big or small, so that you can have a more positive effect on the environment.
First —Why Is Sustainability Important?
Sustainability in event management and planning is essential mainly due to the sheer scale of events and the resources they consume. A single event can drastically contribute to environmental degradation if not managed responsibly.
By deploying sustainable practices, individuals and event planning companies can still throw a night to remember while reducing resource consumption and minimizing their carbon footprint!
Beyond the more apparent benefits, sustainability practices can have positive social and economic impacts, like:
- Supporting local vendors, suppliers, and economies
- Reducing the carbon footprint associated with transportation costs
- Promoting education and awareness
- Fostering a sense of social responsibility
Green events are great for the planet, communities, and economies. The next time you have an event to host, choose a planning company with a sustainability policy and commitment!
Three Key Aspects of Sustainable Event Planning
Energy Efficiency
An event can be a considerable energy suck, making efficiency an important focus before, during, and while cleaning up once the event is over.
To help conserve energy or use it more efficiently, especially if you’re throwing a live event, consider the following:
- Using energy-efficient lighting & equipment
- Booking venues with renewable energy sources, like solar panels
- Encouraging or offering perks/discounts for those carpooling or using a rideshare platform or public transportation
Many energy-efficient steps you can take can help reduce overall event costs!
Waste Management
Proper waste management is another important consideration when thinking about sustainability. Events can result in a massive quantity of garbage that needs to be disposed of.
Think of the most recent event you attended. You may have seen leftover packaging material lying about, plastic utensils on the tables, and, by the end of the night, a considerable amount of food scraps.
Event planners can divert significant waste away from landfills by focusing on reusing and recycling. For your next event, consider placing recycling bins throughout the space, finding alternatives to single-use plastics, and composting organic waste.
Water Conservation
Another critical consideration in sustainable event planning is water conservation. To reduce the use of local water resources, consider using recycled or harvested rainwater for event irrigation.
For drinking water, forgo single-use plastic bottles and use refillable water stations. Are you interested in having a water fixture for your event? Look for efficient options that conserve water and reduce your energy consumption!
Let CSP Worldwide Sustainably Plan Your Next Event
CSP Worldwide will help make every occasion a green affair! Our full-service event planning company prioritizes supporting local communities and reducing our carbon footprint. We’ll ensure an unforgettable experience for you and your guests that paves the way towards a more sustainable future. Start planning today!