Kickstart Your Eco-Friendly Event Planning with These Simple Steps!
Hey there, fellow event planners! Are you looking to sprinkle a bit of green magic into your events? You're not alone. The wave of eco-friendly event planning is getting bigger, and for good reason. Not only does it show your commitment to our planet, but it also paints your brand in the best light. So, whether you're a seasoned pro or new to the scene, I'm here to guide you through the simple steps to make your events kinder to Mother Earth. Trust me, it's easier than you think, and the rewards?
Absolutely worth it!
What's an Eco-Friendly Event Anyway?
An eco-friendly event is all about mindfulness – it's where every decision is made with the environment in mind. From the venue to the napkins on the table, every element has the potential to either harm or heal our planet. And here's the kicker: going green can often save you some green too. Reduced waste means reduced costs – it's a win-win!
Location, Location, Location!
The venue sets the stage for your event, and its eco-credentials can make a huge difference. I remember this one time, we chose a venue powered entirely by renewable energy. The attendees were buzzing about it even before the event started! So, look for venues with energy-efficient lighting, water-saving fixtures, or even on-site recycling facilities. And if it's accessible by public transport, even better – it reduces the event's carbon footprint significantly.
Below are a just few examples of green event venues committed to sustainability:
Yarra Valley Estate: Located in Dixons Creek, Victoria, this sustainability-focused venue is situated on 120 stunning acres of lawns, bush tracks, towering gums, and native bush.
Stadium Australia: Located in Sydney, this stadium was designed for the Sydney 2000 Olympics and is still regarded as one of the most environmentally sustainable stadium venues in the world.
Stone and Wood: The Stone & Wood Brewery in Fortitude Valley doesn’t just have a great function room Brisbane residents love – they have also launched a Green Feet Program. The program aims to combat climate change and explore eco-friendly alternatives to traditional brewing methods. This includes reducing water and energy waste, encouraging reusable cups at events and partnering with suppliers to minimise their carbon footprint.
Doltone House Darling Island: Voted the 2020 ‘Best’ Sustainable Venue by event professionals, this venue is located inside the first 6 Green Star-rated building in New South Wales.
Nukara Farm: Located in Chapman Valley, this venue is an eco-retreat suitable for a diverse range of social events1. They have transformed their traditional family farm into an exclusive eco-retreat.
International Convention Centre Sydney (ICC Sydney): Situated in the heart of the CBD, ICC Sydney is an ideal function venue for those looking to hold a sustainable business event.
The Venue Alexandria: Located in Sydney, this trendy industrial warehouse space is flooded with natural light and has a commendable commitment to sustainability. It features solar panels, wind turbines, rainwater tanks, and a composting tower for food scraps.
Rawnsley Park Station: Located in the Flinders Ranges, this venue is an advanced ecotourism accredited villa designed to complement the natural environment and is energy-neutral.
Radisson Blu Hotel Sydney: This swanky venue in central Sydney was awarded Earth Check Gold Status in 2016 for its commitment to environmental management
Waste Not, Want Not
Waste reduction is the heart of eco-friendly events. Digital invites over paper, reusable décor over single-use plastics, and compostable cutlery can dramatically reduce your event's waste. I've seen events where attendees were given a 'waste kit' with a reusable cup, plate, and cutlery – it was a hit and sparked some great conversations! And don’t forget that Terra Tag provides handmade seed paper name badges and biodegradable lanyards that guests absolutely love!
Delicious and Sustainable – Yes, Please!
Food is a big part of any event, and it's also a big part of your event's environmental impact. Choosing local and seasonal food not only reduces carbon emissions but also supports local businesses. And don't forget about plant-based options – they're not just for vegans! They're a sustainable choice that can be incredibly delicious and inclusive. For example, EatFirst is an ethical catering company that prioritises social responsibility, sustainability, and giving back to the community by sourcing locally from over 1000+ supplier partners and their menu changes seasonally.
Turn Attendees into Eco-Allies
Your attendees are your biggest asset in making your event truly eco-friendly. Clear signage about recycling, a workshop on sustainability, or even a fun quiz about the event's green initiatives can turn passive attendees into active eco-ambassadors. It's all about creating an inclusive, informative, and engaging atmosphere.
Spread the Word, Sustainably!
Your event's eco-friendly nature is not just a practice; it's a selling point. Use digital platforms to spread the word and keep your marketing materials as digital as possible. But remember, transparency is key. Be open about your efforts and challenges in going green. It shows authenticity and can inspire others to follow suit.
Celebrate Your Green Wins!
What gets measured gets managed. Keep track of the waste you've reduced, the local suppliers you've supported, or the emissions you've cut down. These stats are not just numbers; they're stories. Stories about the positive impact your event has made. And sharing these stories not only feels good but also sets a benchmark for your next event.
Starting your journey towards eco-friendly event planning might seem daunting at first, but remember, every big change starts with small steps. And these steps don't just help our planet; they also create memorable, meaningful, and engaging events. So, take the leap, make those small changes, and watch as your events transform into experiences that your attendees – and the environment – will thank you for.
Got your own eco-friendly event planning tips or stories? I'd love to hear them! Share your experiences and let's inspire each other to keep pushing the boundaries of what our events can achieve, not just for our attendees, but for our planet too.
Remember, in the world of event planning, being eco-friendly is not just a trend; it's the future. And it's a future we can all help shape, one choice at a time.
