A “green event” involves taking into account and striving to reduce water and energy usage, waste and greenhouse gas production, and to limit negative impacts on biodiversity. Any event can be a green event, from a wedding to a festival to a trade show. It’s a growing trend that has taken on a great deal of momentum over the last few years. From sourcing local and sustainable foods, to diverting waste from landfills to forgoing electricity altogether, planners are getting creative about the impact of their events on the planet.
“Essentially, a green event is an event that is executed in an environmentally and socially responsible manner.” Tweet This Quote
As people become more aware of ways to conserve and reuse, many clients are asking event planners to come up with ways to “go green.” A few examples include creative ideas for recycling floral décor, and a focus on minimizing food waste. Indeed, many clients are specifically asking their event design partners to stay away from lavish looks and opting instead for what is referred to as “eco-chic,” which is focused on simplistic, earth-friendly design. As a result, rustic elements, reusable service pieces and decor, and earth-friendly practices such as recycling have a special place in event planning today.
Many festivals are getting into the act. Chicago’s Pitchfork Music Festival offers a sizeable bike lot and has a ride-sharing app that connects concertgoers interested in carpooling to the event. At Lollapalooza, event-goers are encouraged to reuse water bottles using free water refilling stations. The event also has composting bins on the grounds, and offers perks for guests who help pick up trash.
It’s not just festivals that can go green. For one of Stella McCartney’s recent Resort Presentations, fashion designer Stella McCartney threw a carnival full of old-fashioned games and food inspired by the designer’s vegan lifestyle. Most notably, the entire event was thrown without the use of any electricity.
Another important “Green Event” planning silo, is unserved food. When and where possible, ensure you have a clause in your catering contract stating, all left over food will be donated to a charitable organization. Involve the said organization in the pre-planning stage and ensure safe food handling practices are followed at all times leading up to the time of donation.
Event production does not have to produce much (if any) waste. It is our duty as event planners to minimize our impact on the environment and sharing any culinary excess or overage with those in need when applicable.
Everyone benefits from these sound planning practices. Your clients and charities will thank you for it.
From initial planning to clean-up, our Amazon Best Selling Book, “Going Live: Insider Secrets to Corporate Event Production” covers all the critical information you need to succeed in the business. Get a FREE digital copy by clicking here:
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