Tips on Running a Green Event

As we all know, events can create a large amount of waste, and it doesn’t have to be this way! Making your event Eco-friendly can be a great learning experience for you, and can also create a unique atmosphere at your event, at the same time highlighting the importance of sustainability. At this time it might seem like a time consuming decision to move forward, however you will need to start at some stage, and why not now? Apart from being a great way to move forward, it also sets a good example and shows your attendees that you are socially responsible. Awareness is contagious, so start now! If this is your first time, a good place to start might be to look at your last event and consider which areas might benefit most from some green initiatives. You can then follow these tips on running a green event.

· Use Paperless Technology- This can take on many forms, the first being to set up your website to create awareness about your event, rather than flyers. You will also be able to use online ticketing to create your event and sell tickets, so that all of your reporting is online, and tickets and receipts are all emailed to the ticket purchaser. You can even use a Checkin app where eTickets are scanned on arrival at your event, rather than printing out tickets. Another alternative is to simply check off names, after viewing the ticket purchaser’s eTicket on their mobile device.
Make sure you also go paperless with your invitations. Use email and/or social media to invite attendees, and you can also use these as reminders to register or purchase tickets. Remember, having accurate numbers before your event allows for less wastage on the day. If you have used online ticketing for your previous events, you can also use those records to email past ticket purchasers about your new event.
Also, if any promotional materials are produced, try not to brand them with the date, so that any not used this year can be recycled for next.

· Assign a “Green Committee”- if at all possible, this will help out as they can research the areas which will make the biggest impact, and source environmentally friendly products instead of what is normally used. This can be items such as tableware and decorations, (which should be biodegradable), as well as gifts for attendees. (consider donations or gifts made of recycled, reused or natural materials). It also shows that you take your impact on the environment seriously, and sends a positive message.

· Venue- Choose a venue which is as close to your attendees as possible. Also, talk to them about their energy consumption and ask them to turn off lights and/or air conditioning when the room is not in use- the use of LED lights can reduce energy use by up to 70%. Find out about public transport and shuttles, and provide a map with walking directions, as well as the opportunity for attendees to car pool, to encourage smart transport. It can also be a good idea to work out a menu which has lots of finger foods rather than a sit down meal, to avoid using tableware.

· Set up Recycle Stations- Whether it is compost for food scraps, or recycling for programs and papers, ensure you provide attendees with the tools to do the right thing, and make sure you label them well!

These are just some tips to get you started on the right track towards running events, which will benefit your attendees, as well as the planet!

Please let us know of any tips you have found to help others…

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