If you’ve ever had to plan an event, you’ll know how much effort is required in choosing the best venue and setting up the technology. Not to mention making the event memorable for guests. We often fail to realize that events can generate massive amounts of waste and consume massive amounts of energy.

It’s about time we made an effort to change. The public is increasingly recognizing that events don’t have to have a massive environmental impact. Promoting sustainable events, whether you’re organizing a small offsite team or a huge hybrid conference, is not just the best thing to do but also the smartest choice.

Why not go green with your next event?

This number might make you think An average 3-day event with 500 people can generate around 2,835 kg of waste, and consume around 300,000 kWh of energy. This isn’t just a staggering number, it’s also a chance for improvement.

Today’s attendees care about sustainability. They want their favorite brands to be viewed as environmentally friendly. When you take steps toward sustainable event planning, you’re not just helping the planet you’re showing your audience that your values go beyond the stage or the screen.

Simple Waste Management Strategies to cut down on the clutter

Let’s start with the waste. Events can turn into a goldmine of unneeded clutter, single-use plastics leftover food, printed brochures that no one reads, and much more. If you’re willing to make a few changes sustainability in waste management can be easier than you think.

Here are some easy changes that will go a long ways:

1. Switch out disposables and plastic cups and utensils for compostable or reusable options.

2. Use QR codes or event apps instead of printed program.

3. Donate leftovers.

4. Establish recycling stations to allow users to dispose of their items in a responsible and sustainable manner.

The goal is progress and not perfection. Every waste product you reduce or divert is a win.

You can manage your energy like the pros (without being one)

Making smart energy decisions does not require you to be an expert engineer. Being aware of the amount of power events consume is a first step towards making a change. When we discuss strategies to manage energy for events, it does not mean that you need to sacrifice comfort or technology. It just means that you should be aware of the ways in which they use energy.

Here are a few easy strategies to decrease your energy use:

1. Be sure to look for places that are environmentally sustainable or utilize renewable energy sources.

2. Use LED lighting and energy-efficient equipment for displays and AV.

3. You can organize hybrid or virtual events in order to minimize the expense of travel and venue.

4. Make things simple It is true that the most beautiful setups generally require less power.

The aim is to create an experience that’s as thrilling, yet uses fewer resources.

GreenUP Checklist, Your Secret Weapon

GreenUP Checklists can help ease your burden when you’re not sure where to begin. The GreenUP Checklist breaks down steps for a sustainable event into simple and achievable steps for any event, whether that’s working with suppliers on environmentally friendly materials or encouraging guests to use public transport.

The Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations are the basis of this checklist, and you’ll know your event is linked to something much bigger.

You have the power to make a difference

Sustainable events don’t necessarily mean that you’re perfect but it does mean being deliberate. It is possible to help the event industry change to the right direction by taking one or ten steps.

The event you host will be remembered because of the speakers, the interaction and the fact that it didn’t seem to be dated or inefficient. Let your guests know that caring for the environment is a part of the event by guiding with a clear goal.