If you’ve ever thought of organizing an event and you’ve seen how much goes into finding the right venue and setting up the technology, making sure your guests feel welcomed, and, of the course, making it memorable. Here’s something many of us aren’t aware of that events can create an enormous amount of waste, and require huge amounts of energy.

It’s time to make an effort to change. The world is finally waking up to the truth that events do not necessarily have to be damaging to the environment. Whether you’re organizing a small team offsite or a major hybrid conference, making sure you promote sustainable events isn’t just the right option, it’s also the right way to go about it.

Why Should You Green Your Event?

This is a number that may surprise you The typical three-day event with 500 people can generate around 2,835 kilos of waste and use nearly 300,000 kWh in energy. This isn’t just a huge amount, it’s an opportunity to improve.

Sustainability is a major concern for the present-day attendees. They would like to see their favorite companies and brands walking the talking. 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: The Best Way to Reduce Clutter

Let’s begin with the waste. Events can turn into a goldmine of unnecessary clutter single-use plastics, leftover food, printed brochures that nobody has time to read, and so on. Recycling waste in a sustainable manner is much simpler than you think.

Here are a few minor changes that go a great distance:

1. Choose compostable or recyclable alternatives for plastic cups as well as other kitchen utensils.

2. Use QR codes or event apps instead.

3. Donate leftovers. If you work with caterers, ask them to donate excess food items to local charities.

4. Set up recycling stations Make it easy for attendees to properly dispose of trash.

The goal isn’t perfection it’s advancement. Every bit of waste that you can reduce or divert is an achievement.

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

It’s not required to be an engineer professional to make intelligent energy choices. Simply being conscious of the power events use is the first step to making a change. Energy management event strategies aren’t necessarily about the loss of comfort or technology. They just need to be mindful about how you apply these strategies.

Here are a few easy ways to decrease energy consumption:

1. Choose places that have been rated as environmentally sustainable or that use renewable energy sources.

2. Use energy-efficient equipment and LED lighting to illuminate displays and audiovisual.

3. You can organize virtual or hybrid events in order to minimize expenses for travel and venue.

4. Keep it simple. The best configurations consume less energy.

It’s all about creating an experience that’s equally powerful however, it’s less resource-intensive.

The GreenUP Checklist: Your Secret Weapon

If you’re not sure where to start with your event, tools like the GreenUP Checklist can make life significantly easier. It provides the steps for an event that is more sustainable into easy-to-follow steps whether it’s working with vendors using eco-friendly materials, or simply encouraging guests to take public transport.

This checklist is designed around the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals and ensures that you’re aligned with something greater than just your event.

You have the power to make a difference

Promoting sustainable events doesn’t mean that you’re perfect, it means being intentional. No matter how many steps you take, you are helping shift the business toward a better future.

They will remember your great speakers, the fun interaction, as well as the fact that the event was not dated or a waste of time. Make sure that your attendees know that respect for the environment is a part of the overall event by leading by example.