How to organise more sustainable events part I
— 2021-03-15
MATERIALS AND RECYCLING
Sustainability is a concept that is becoming increasingly popular. We are always looking for ways to be eco-responsible and learn how our activities could have less negative impact on the environment. It is very important that this effort extends to the events industry - an industry that is growing rapidly. What does it mean to be "sustainable"? Being sustainable means that you are making changes to avoid depleting natural resources. The goal is to help maintain environmental balance. Let's go over a variety of ideas you can implement to make your events more sustainable. Some of these ideas are simple and can be implemented quickly, others will take time, but they are worth it!
Limiting paper use
Starting with something as simple as going paperless is an easy way to make a big impact. Instead of sending out invitations, you can create an event website, app or email subscription for attendees. Not only do these options help you minimise your footprint, but they allow you to communicate with attendees and staff involved in real time. Suddenly, a last-minute change to your event doesn't seem so dramatic, as you can easily communicate it immediately to your attendees. You'll also save money in the long run because you'll never need to reprint thousands of programmes when you make a schedule change.
Material selection
Have you ever thought that something as simple and basic as event accreditation could also have a big impact on the environment? Most accreditations are placed inside a plastic envelope, a material that is not degradable and will remain on the surface of the earth long after us. For example, for an event like the Mobile World Congress alone, more than 100,000 plastic envelopes have to be thrown away after only 3 days of use. This is more than 5 tons of plastic for accreditations alone. There are many companies that offer these made of cotton ribbons, a much better option. Research which local companies could do that for your event.
Waste
This is an area you should focus on from the beginning. After every event, we see how the venue and the environment look. After the attendees have left the site littered and polluting some of the most beautiful outdoor scenery. This often causes an uproar from owners and venues who no longer want to have events. Confirm that your event venue recycles their waste and if they don't have a system in place, start making a plan. Hire or use volunteers to collect items that are recyclable after the event. Biodegradable cups and utensils are another good option and can have a big impact. The goal is to make it easier for your attendees to recycle and maintain the venue while they enjoy the event. If you see leftover tents or products that can be reused, consider making a donation to your local charity. If you rent furniture, you can request recycling bins with sectors for paper/plastic/glass and organic matter. Premium has already designed a recycling bin for a specific event. Feel free to contact us and see what options we can offer you. Learn to think outside the box and create innovative ways to be sustainable.
