Eco-Friendly Extravaganza: 7 Smart Ways to Go Green at Your Event

25 Jul Eco-Friendly Extravaganza: 7 Smart Ways to Go Green at Your Event

Large occasions offer good times, whether it’s a corporate event that’s all about fresh ideas and networking opportunities or an awards show meant to honor the best and brightest in a particular industry. The only issue is that these parties sometimes produce a lot of waste. It doesn’t matter if there are 25 guests or 250; you still end up disposing of food, decorations, and other materials—unless you plan carefully and make the conscious decision to go green. Hosting an eco-friendly event isn’t as difficult as you may fear, either. In fact, along with saving the environment, this can also save money in the long run.

Stick with Sustainable Serving Options

On the one hand, it makes sense to use paper plates and plastic flatware at a big fundraiser or social gathering. Otherwise, someone has the unlucky task of washing mountains of dishes. The only problem is that paper plates aren’t always the sturdiest or most elegant items with which to set a stunning table.

It is possible, however, to find Earth-safe tableware that is visually appealing and simple to recycle. Bamboo plates and bamboo cutlery are only one example of your biodegradable options, but they make for a classic tablescape and are available in various designs. In addition to standard plates, bowls, and flatware, you also utilize specialty serving items, such as small bowls for appetizers and serving boats for larger items.

Don’t Throw Out the Leftovers

Nearly every celebration offers some type of dining experience. Some call for nibbles, so appetizers and canapes will suffice. At corporate getaways and occasions of that nature, complete meals will likely be served, often several a day. What happens to all that food if the attendees don’t eat it all?

You have a few options to put together an environmental extravaganza that doesn’t result in wasted food, which includes finding sustainable takeout boxes. Give guests the opportunity to take some of the culinary delights home with them. You could also talk to the venue management and the caterers about donating all leftover food to any shelters or homeless organizations in the area.

Choose an Eco-Conscious Caterer

Some chefs are starting to embrace a sustainable philosophy for cooking and serving. Limit your search to caterers who use organic produce that’s locally sourced. In addition to helping small farmers in the area, using local vendors cuts down on the transportation needed to get the raw ingredients, leading to a decreased carbon footprint and bill. Focusing on organic food ensures that it contains no chemicals, which can damage the environment as well as the people who consume it.

Drink Smart

The same thing applies to beverages, including alcohol. Look into local offerings, such as craft beers and wines. Plenty of places even have regional soft drinks and signature beverages. Even in cases where you decide to use name brand drinks and spirits, you need to strike a deal with a vendor that’s close to the venue because it’s better for the ecosystem to minimize the time and money spent on cargo.

Go with Earth-Safe Decor

Use sustainable items to add color and depth to the tablescape, centerpieces, and decor. Rustic and industrial chic decor items can be used over and over again. Consider crystal or glass vases, wrought iron pieces, and things of that nature. Pick potted plants over flowers, as well. In short, decorate with beautiful items that you don’t have to throw away afterward.

You can still follow various themes. Put together an event with a beach theme using seashells, rope, and burlap, for example. Copper items evoke a 1920s feel. You may need to source decorations from several places, but that just gives the function a personal, one-of-a-kind touch.

Opt for Natural Lighting

Hold the event outdoors whenever it’s feasible. Natural light is eco-friendly, plus it lends a lively, vivacious vibe to the party. Failing that, check out spaces with plenty of windows and open floor plans. These open settings can help you avoid the need for artificial light and allow guests to feel more comfortable.

Ditch the Paper

As you send out save-the-dates for the corporate retreats for invitations for the award show, tap into your imagination and opt for a digital invite. That allows you or someone on the planning committee to design something using photo software. Email or text all the pertinent information. At the event, consider putting notes and essential information onto thumb drives that you pass out to the guests as they arrive or include in their welcome baskets.

Eco-friendly events are more personal and intimate. A seemingly innocuous detail, such as creating centerpieces out of plants, can be the most memorable stand-out. The people who attend will notice all those little touches. Going green just requires you to make a few tweaks, so consider making these changes and see just how well they result in significant benefits to the environment, not to mention your bottom line.

Author Bio: Casey Pontrelli is a freelance writer who has collaborated with a variety of industry insiders, from independent boutique owners to leading brands, and enjoys writing about travel and events, as well as fashion.