Celebrating Green

 
 
 

During recent years there has been an increasing shift towards conscious consumerism. Say what? What in the world is that and is this just another buzz word for a current fad? Actually, I believe that more and more people are beginning to focus on our environment and global warming; and, consequently, it is not a fad but rather a movement.

Grow Ensemble defines conscious consumerism as “buying practices [that] are driven by a commitment to making purchasing decisions that have positive social, economic and environmental impact.” Sure, this sounds like a worthwhile effort that is worthy of our attention, but is it doable when holding an event? Some might even think that it is just an added burden and probably expensive. But actually, it doesn’t have to be.

We already know that holding an event requires purchasing both goods and services. The smallest of events typically engage at least five vendors and require quite a few supplies to make the affair just right. However, it’s possible to preserve the planet while still throwing a fabulous bash. Here are some strategies.

Hire Green

The key to producing an eco-friendly affair is to hire vendors that seek out ways to minimize environmental impacts when providing their goods and services. One way of finding such vendors is to simply ask perspective suppliers about their green initiatives.  Another option is to check the online green vendor list for your area before making hiring decisions. 

 
 
 
 

Below are some things that can be investigated during vendor interviews: 

  • Does the venue have strategically placed recycle waste bins and do they enforce usage?

  • Does the venue employ a water conservation program?

  • Has the venue received a Leader in Energy and Environmental Leadership certification?   

  • Does the caterer grow its own or use organic, locally sourced food? 

  • Does the caterer have creative and tasty plant-based menu options that your guests would enjoy? 

  • Does the caterer serve seafood that is sustainably sourced?

  • Are biodegradable containers used for to-go boxes?

 
 
 
 

Do Double Duty

Whenever possible, let your purchases do double duty. For instance,

  • Incorporate décor used during a wedding ceremony in the reception décor design.

  • At the end of the event, donate the live florals to a nursing home or hospital.

  • Donate leftover, unserved food to a homeless shelter.

  • Use washable tableware and linens instead of plastic.

Share Transportation
Most likely there will be out-of-town guests who will need transportation. One way to reduce the carbon foot print is to arrange shared transportation. For example, shuttling groups of guests to/from hotels, Airbnbs and the event venue will help the environment. 

Also, now that the pandemic has taught us how to create on-line events, hybrid events where some guests attend remotely has become a common occurrence that is also eco-friendly.

Go Paperless
Throw away the paper by:

  • Using electronic communication for your invitations. 

  • Replacing escort cards with a seating chart display.

  • Creating chalkboard displays for your welcome sign, menu, and order of events.

Eco-friendly Favors

Give sustainable favors. How many times have we attended an event and received a favor that landed in the back of a drawer until it was finally thrown away? Think how much better it would have been for the planet if you received a packet of seeds or plant in a biodegradable container that could be transplanted. Or, what if our favors were made from recycled material? Better yet, what if we obtained our favors from a local vendor that didn’t have to ship the goods? All of these are sustainable options that can be easily adopted.

The possibilities of ways to curate events in a sustainable way is endless once we start to think creatively. But, let’s be honest. It does take some thought and effort. However, even if your event is not 100% carbon footprint neutral, every little bit helps. Every effort to protect our fellow man and preserve our planet is a move in the right direction. 

But still, I know all of this can be a little overwhelming. Never fear, that is what your planner is for. So, let’s getting cracking. Let’s put together an eco-friendly plan.

 
Chamel Evans