No one has the right to squander resources as if we’re never going to run out of them—as if future generations won’t need them. Our actions must meet the needs of the present generation without compromising the needs of future generations—that’s the concept of sustainability.
Over the past 20 years, this concept has extended to the business world. More companies are increasingly becoming aware of their impact on the environment.
This growing awareness prompted a good number of them to commit to different sustainable initiatives. Holding events that are eco-friendly is one of them.
Although sustainable events require more careful planning than standard events, the benefits are enormous:
Efficient use of resources conserves energy and reduces waste. But on top of that, sustainable practices will also teach you to look at your expenses and examine if they really add value to your event.
Do you really need to use balloons as decor or are there more environmentally friendly and cost-effective alternatives? Do you need to send out paper invitations or can you invite guests online?
These things might seem small, but add them all up and you’ll be surprised at how much you’ll be saving!
Sustainability isn’t just a buzzword—it’s becoming the norm. Organizing a sustainable event helps elevate your brand, engage media attention, and attract new markets, partners, and sponsors.
By holding sustainable events, you’ll be raising environmental awareness to more people than you can possibly know: your participants, colleagues, staff, service providers, the local community, and the general public.
Your actions might even prompt them to introduce environmental initiatives into their organizations.
Corporate events rely on natural resources like water, land, and energy. Although some of these resources can regenerate, it takes time before they do. Corporations and event planners must keep this in mind when designing their events.
So, what can you do to hold sustainable events? Here are some tips:
Instead of spending money on paper invitations, why not invite guests online? Not only will you save trees, but you’ll avoid adding more waste to landfills as well.
There are many apps you can use to design and send online invitations. It will even allow you to track the responses of your guests! But if you really must send traditional paper invites, make sure to use recycled products and mailers made from plant-based materials to reduce your carbon footprint.
Plantable seed papers are also a great eco-friendly invitation idea. Once the recipients receive the invite, they can simply plant the whole card in a pot of soil. In just a few weeks, the paper will degrade and the seeds embedded in the paper will grow into herbs, flowers, or whatever kind of seeds were in the paper.
People immediately think of using plasticware for big events because they’re so convenient to use. No need to wash them—just throw them all out after the event is over!
But this convenience comes with a price. Single-use plastics are incredibly harmful to the environment, particularly our oceans.
They are not biodegradable. Instead, they simply break down into pieces so small that humans and animals are at risk of ingesting them, which can cause serious health problems. So, instead of relying on plastic, it’s better to use reusable plates and utensils.
Another option is to use fully compostable, single-use partyware. There are many plates, napkins, and party essentials made from biodegradable materials that you can use at your corporate event.
It’s a known fact that people who eat more vegetables have a lower risk of developing heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.
But not only is a plant-based diet healthier; studies on farm production systems and food choices found that organic plant-based diets are better for the environment than meat-based, non-organic food sources. So when planning your corporate event, consider opting for plant-based and organic menu options.
Physical menus have been replaced with QR codes. It’s a change brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, but it’s good for the environment too!
Aside from minimizing physical interaction, there are many other advantages of using a QR code: it speeds up table turnover, cuts down order errors, as well as reduces paper consumption and printing costs.
Cars, trains, and planes all produce carbon emissions that harm the environment. To minimize your event’s carbon footprint, consider:
You can use this sustainable events guide to help you remember what to do and what to avoid when planning your event.
When it comes to the environment, no action is too insignificant. So whether it’s just a small meeting or a big team-building event, don’t hesitate to make small positive changes.
If you’re looking for a green and historical event venue, we’re here for you. The Loft on King helps businesses and individuals implement eco-friendly ideas in corporate and private settings.
Visit our website for more information, or contact us to start bringing your sustainable events to life. We’ll help you make it happen!