Sustainable Event Planning

Planning a “zero waste” events

There are so many aspects of an event that one must review. Depending upon the size, is it a simple small event, a major party or wedding, or perhaps it is a conference you are trying to coordinate into a sustainable green event.

Any of these can be made into a truly sustainable event, but what must be decided upon is to what degree of ‘completely green’ are you trying to achieve. And to what level will your satisfaction meet and fall within your budget.

A list of targets to try to understand and coordinate:

General

ü	Make sure everyone understands the event goal

ü	Watch out for ‘Greenwashing’

·	Event Site

ü	Choose a location that is willing to participate in your goals

ü	Electronic ‘Zero Travel’ event

ü	Less participants = Less travel, lowers your carbon footprint

Lodging

ü	Choose a site that is LEED certified

·	Event Materials

ü	Can you work with Digital event media?

ü	Brochures and information on CD

ü	Digital Photography

·	Paper Resources

ü	Paperless invitations

ü	Can serving wares be recycled

Food

ü	Is food obtained locally

·	Waste Reduction

ü	Can waste be reduced through recycling, washing and reusable items