What is a Sustainable Event?
From single-use plastic, signage, food, and more, events can be incredibly wasteful and leave a negative impact on our planet. An event of 100 attendees can produce upwards of 400 pounds of trash from beginning to end. With 2.5 million weddings annually in the US, that adds up to about 1 billion pounds of single-use materials that end up in landfill, much of which can be reduced, reused, and/or composted. (If, you’re curious we’ve got a few more stats on the waste behind the wedding industry.)
We also hear a lot about the impact of our own carbon footprint but what about our events? A recent study suggests the annual carbon footprint for the global event industry is the same magnitude as the yearly Green House Gas emissions of the entire United States! As planners, and as an industry, there is so much more we can be doing to minimize our impact even in small ways like considering our guest’s travel, energy use, and accommodation.
Luckily, making any event more sustainable is more accessible than ever before. It just takes a little bit of conscious planning from the start. Plus, you’ll focus your time and energy on creating a memorable experience for your guests and attendees that they are going to appreciate more than all the “stuff” that most people don’t want or need.
An event of 100 attendees can produce upwards of 400 pounds of trash from beginning to end.
We believe that any event can be a positive tool for social change. Events bring people together, events remind us of our shared humanity, events can educate, equip, and empower us to take action on things that matter most to us and our communities. It’s truly an inspiring industry to be a part of!
So, what does a sustainable event encompass? How can we look beyond the logistics of an event and bring in a holistic, socially-conscious approach to the way we gather?
Let’s first dive into all the elements of event sustainability.
What is Sustainable Event Design
Sustainable event design is a process, or philosophy used to produce an event that takes into consideration the environmental, economic, and social impact of any event. The Event Industry Council helps frame it beautifully, by illustrating that event sustainability goes beyond just the eco but encourages event sustainability to include “taking action towards preserving our natural environment; promoting a healthy, inclusive society; and supporting a thriving economy.”
Three Focus Areas when Considering Sustainability in Events:
Environmentally-Friendly (What’s the Environmental Impact)
Socially-Responsible & Inclusive (What’s the Social Impact)
Community-Centered (What’s the Economic Impact)
Environmentally-Friendly Events
When we hear about a sustainable event we often jump right to the environmental impact. Events, especially in-person, can generate a lot of stuff, so considering ways to reduce waste, like swapping items like water bottles or plastic cups and cutlery for reusables like glassware and rented plates can be easy wins. Other major areas of waste generation are signage and printed materials, even florals and decor that is bought for one time use can accidently end up in landfill. Reducing where you can and renting the rest is a great way to save time and money.
More event planners are beginning to think deeper about reducing their carbon-footprint and exploring areas around choosing energy-conscious venues, encouraging more eco-friendly guest transportation options like ride share and public transportation, and prioritizing seasonal, locally-sourced menus and florals.
Composting and organics recycling is becoming more accessible to people in their homes and there is often city-wide support for drop-offs and rentals. You can even find it on-site at some venues and event spaces! We love seeing our events partner with local food rescue programs like Meal Connect for food donations and composting the unusable scraps and florals. Double impact!
Socially-Responsible and Inclusive Events
Sustainability is not a stand-alone approach and goes hand-in-hand with prioritizing areas of diversity, equity, and inclusion. To create meaningful changes within our events, it’s invaluable to consider how social justice and environmentalism intersect. The Intersectional Environmentalist has many thoughtful resources that we look to, to learn and expand our viewpoints. AND... Designing events that are accessible, inclusive, and culturally aware/responsive, creates a space where all feel welcomed to bring their authentic selves to the experience. Big wins for people and the planet!
This can encompass Universal Design Principles around physical elements like considering how a space might flow for a guest with mobility needs or creating sensory-friendly experiences. Simple choices like ensuring your menu are culturally-diverse and have options for all dietary needs including gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan options, goes the extra mile to make your attendees feel seen.
Prioritizing diverse voices on panels, as speakers, or as vendors and including educational or give-back opportunities for event staff and attendees to take action to better their communities makes the impact of an event go beyond a one-time experience.
Community-Centered Events
If you’ve ever planned an event or wedding you know that events can be incredibly costly, but if you consider the power of your wallet an event can be a powerful tool for good. Events that use their budgets to meet their values can fuel local economies and provide opportunities for small, independent businesses and communities to thrive. Where you choose to host your event, whether the location or venue can have a big impact. Consider venus that are non-profits or publicly-owned like botanical gardens or museums. Work with BIPOC and woman-owned vendors or businesses, work with caterers that support local farmers, and source from Fair Trade certified companies. Are you sourcing supplies from sustainable, ethical brands or locally-owned shops rather than online giants like Amazon?
All these purchasing considerations can take small actions and turn them into big changes not only for the planet but for these businesses that are the core of a community.
Benefits of a Conscious Design Approach
If you’re anything like us, and the 80% of Americans who are increasingly thinking about sustainability, designing responsible events is the future of the industry. With the rising demand for more sustainable goods and services, incorporating ethics and values into the core of your event is more accessible than ever before. We are here for this movement!
But can an event be sustainable, cost-effective, and not compromise on quality design? Absolutely! With a little bit of intention and planning, any event can incorporate a sustainable design approach without blowing the budget. In fact, some elements can even be a cost savings and be good for business.
Our favorite parts of designing and running events are the creatives, artists, entrepreneurs, and small businesses we get the opportunity to partner with and work with. By incorporating your personal (or organizational) values into your event you get to build meaningful relationships and see your ripple effect of impact on issues that matter most to you.
Get Involved and Make an Impact!
Curious about how to put all this into practice? Download our FREE 101 Guide to Hosting a Sustainable Event and see how you can expand your impact with a few simple tips and insights.
Learn more about our approach to designing events, let us design a roadmap with you on making your event more values-aligned, or explore the directory of like-minded vendors. Join the movement that embraces a more sustainable, socially responsible, and inclusive event community as a vendor, organization, or newly engaged couple. There is a place for everyone!