Resources & Tips for Sustainable Events
We are curating a resource library for event planners, industry professionals, and conscious organizations alike. Many of these resources were discussed at Cultivate 2026.
Article: What is a Sustainable Event by Luum Collective
Article: How to Plan a Sustainable Wedding by Luum Collective
Download our 101 Guide to Sustainable Events by Luum Collective
Design a menu using the Seasonal Food Calendar by Chowgirls
Reference the Seasonal Flower Guide by TC Flower Exchange
Designing and Managing Low-Waste Events Presentation
Article: Venue Sustainability and Waste Management Planning by Luum Collective
Reference the Working with Foam Free Mechanics Workshop Slides
Explore the Sustainable Floral Network Industry Education
5 Favorite Sustainable Mechanics by Flowering Minds
Incorporating more substantial vegan, plant-based, and gluten-free options and always offering NA, spirit-free options that are on par with other cocktails, beer, and wine selections.
Label everything so that guests can access ingredients for common allergens.
Communicate the menu, accessibility information, and agenda ahead of the event if possible.
Offer flexible seating arrangements and chairs without armrests to accommodate all body types
Vegan Feta Recipe by Chowgirls
During our vegan cheese and NA wine tasting hosted by Alexandra of Lucille’s, guests enjoyed a variety of pairings to explore more inclusive options for their next event.
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1-14oz block of extra firm tofu
3 Tbs white miso paste
⅓ cup apple cider vinegar
⅓ cup lemon juice
3 Tbs nutritional yeast
3 Tbs extra virgin olive oil
1 Tbs dried oregano
5 cloves of garlic, smashed
½ tsp red pepper flakes
2 tsp salt
½ tsp ground black pepper
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Bring a pot of salted water to a boil (enough water to cover the block of tofu). Add tofu and let simmer for 2-3 minutes.
Carefully remove the tofu and let cool completely. Place the tofu on a paper towel lined baking sheet or plate.
Place more paper towel over the top of the tofu and another baking sheet or plate on top of that. Add some weight (a couple full cans or jars works just fine!) and let it press overnight. I recommend changing the paper towel after a few hours to help absorb as much moisture as possible.
In a bowl, whisk together all ingredients until emulsified and the miso paste and nutritional yeast are fully dissolved.
Cut the tofu in half the long way, and then cut that into small squares (24 small squares.) It is not recommended to go bigger than that, but you could go smaller if you’d like.
Toss the tofu in the bowl of marinade to get a nice coating. Then place all the tofu in a container such as a mason jar or deli container. Be sure to pour the remaining marinade over the top. Give it a good shake and let it marinate for at least 12 hours. It will get tangier and more fermented-like the longer it sits. Store in the fridge and eat within 7 days.
Recycling and Organics
Recycling and compost bins can be rented for free through Hennepin Cty or Ramsey Cty. Drop-off locations are open to the public located inMinneapolis orSt Paul.
Minneapolis and St. Louis Park have ordinances that require single-use food packaging at events to be recyclable or compostable. Learn more about theMinneapolis Green to Go environmentally acceptable packaging ordinance andSt. Louis Park’s zero waste packaging ordinance.
Merrick takes hard to recycle plastics like plastic wrap. Visit their website for more information on the types of plastics they collect or to get started setting up your own plastic recycling pickup! Reach out to Marissa with questions at marissaj@merrickinc.org
Ridwell finds and vets partners to recycle and reuse everyday items like plastic bags, snack packages, wine corks, old textiles, and more.
Be sure any single-use items around are certified compostable and not just labeled biodegradable. Look for the BPI logo.Local vendors of compostable products (PDF).
Not sure what is recyclable or compostable? Check what city your event is in and search on the A to Z Guide for Hennepin Cty or Ramsey Cty.
Food Rescue
Meal Connect is a great tool by Second Harvest Heartland to connect food to those in need. You are protected by the Bill Emerson Good Samaritan Act!
It’s always best to set up prepared-food pickups in advance by partnering with Second Harvest Heartland, TC Food Justice, or Food Connect to schedule a driver pick up at your event.
Jeremy Stickney, Food Service Sourcing Rep at Second Harvest Heartland, 651-209-7915
Susan Phillips, Twin Cities Regional Program Manager at Food Connect, susan.phillips@foodconnectgroup.com
Business Technical Assistance and Grants
Waste Wise’s consultation services are completely free for businesses and nonprofits located in Hennepin, Ramsey, Scott, and Washington counties. They also support you in research and grant writing on your waste reduction goals.
MNimize also supports any and all food service businesses that want to reduce or eliminate single-use plastic with technical support and grants.
Contact Madeleine Partch at mpartch@mnchamber.com
