Ways to Go Green at Events

Going green is the newest thing! Incorporating environmental awareness into your company picnic, holiday party or other corporate event celebrates your ecologically responsible values while making everyone feel good.

Travel accounts for the largest impact on the environment. Air, car, and hotel stay (as well as eating out while on the go) constitutes the most carbon waste of a typical event. To reduce this footprint, limit individual (and extensive) travel to VIPs such as founders, CEOs, presidents, and other essential guests. Select local venues (which leads to a higher attendance as well) and encourage carpool or provide shuttle transportation to and from the event.

For companies with multiple locations, multiple local venues can be selected. To connect distant employees and guests, use digital streaming options and social media. Live streaming can be projected onto walls or screens of each location and custom hashtags can connect guests for a shared experience. The added bonus of this is that streaming events can be recorded for future videos and hashtags can expand your company’s social media presence!

Going green never tasted so good! One of the most traditional ways you can reduce your event’s carbon footprint is to upgrade to traditional flatware and china. Silverware, glass cups, cloth napkins, and china are stables of every catering company and can be washed and reused again and again. It has the added benefit of upscaling your event.

If your event is outdoors, glassware might not be the best option. Instead, you can opt for recyclable plasticware. Be sure to include extra bins that are clearly marked to reap the benefits of these recyclables. On average, 35% of recyclables are tossed in regular trash bins at events. Recyclables thoughtlessly thrown in the wrong bin end up in landfills, undoing your efforts.

If you want all the benefits of a green event without leaving guests with added responsibility, there are options. Sustentable, bamboo flatware, straws from recycled paper and plates made from palm leaves offer the ease of disposal with fast decomposition.

Nothing dresses an even up like knowing you are leaving it better than when you came. This is something Event Solutions prides itself on. One of the reasons we have such an excellent reputation with parks is because of the care we take of our outdoor spaces after the company picnics we produce.

Some tips for decorating with the environment in mind are to use reusable props, real tablecloths, and multipurpose centerpieces. Our company has access to thousands of props in all types of themes from safari animals (that make perfect photo opportunities) to Olympic rings, flags and more. Static props lacking the luster of your event? Make your event pop with living statues and themed performers. Luau dancers, zoo animals, cowboys/girls, clowns, circus performers, and more can be provided to make your event more dramatic without all the costs on the environment.

Indoor events with small spaces (or large crowds) would also benefit from strolling tables. Strolling tables are performers who serve – literally! Use them to pass drinks, appetizers, and desserts in a uniquely stylish and environmentally friendly way. Other great options for upscale events like galas include living fountains, aerial dancers, fire breathers, and stilt walkers.

Want to double down on your fun without limiting social responsibility? There are many options for sustainable entertainment. Human performances are one of the most popular ways to both provide excitement while supporting the arts. Cirque performers, magicians, aerobic performers, dancers, and musicians are all great, low carbon footprint options that guests love. Mixing digital with the human touch is another great way to wow guests. Partner with ecologically responsible production companies to create socially responsible films that tell your company’s story in a whole new way. Display them on LED screens to reduce your footprint while enhancing your guest’s experience.

Whichever way you decide to “go green” at your event, partnering with a production and planning company that supports your company’s values is the best way to guarantee your carbon footprint is as low as possible. Your work function is as unique as your company’s values and priorities. Discussing your goals with an experienced event planner provides them with the insights they need to help you achieve success throughout the entire process.