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Traditionally, events centred on extravagance and abundance. When an event planner set out to craft a perfect party, they had one primary aim in mind: guest satisfaction. Often, that meant stocking the bar with single-use plastics, using landfill-destined decorations, and serving a menu centred on quantity rather than sustainability. The point was to create a carefree atmosphere for guests, and the waste was seen as a necessary by-product.
Thankfully, the events industry is changing – much like any other industry – with a renewed focus on sustainability and ethics. Moreover, many event planners are realizing that the old way of doing things presented a false dichotomy. You absolutely can prioritize guest satisfaction and sustainability. The two aren’t mutually exclusive.
If you’re looking to throw an event that’s entertaining, delicious, carefree, cost-effective and – crucially – sustainable, follow the few tips below. Whether you’re throwing an intimate birthday bash or a multi-day corporate event, you can easily incorporate these earth-friendly practices.
Partner with a Local Vegan Caterer
A critical component of sustainability is choosing food that’s ethical and easy on the environment. Unfortunately, some conventional event staples, like meat-forward hors d’oeuvres and dairy-centred cheese boards, feature products with a hefty carbon footprint.
In the past, event planners shied away from vegan food (or they included an obligatory, uninspired crudité platter) because vegan options weren’t as varied, exciting or delicious as they are these days.
Nowadays, you can order catering from Parka vegan restaurant in Toronto that features comfort food classics like truffle mac n’ cashew cheese and veggie-based burgers, or creative takes on wraps, salads and chilis. No one will miss the meat.
Offer Bike Parking and Shuttle Services
As you promote your event, encourage guests to take sustainable methods of transport to and from the venue. To make this easier on people, cordon off space for bike parking and try to make your event as close as possible to major public transit lines.
If you have the budget, consider offering a shuttle service that meets guests at a central location, or work out a carpooling system in advance.
Swap Single Use Items for Recyclable and Reusable Alternatives
Events still have a real “single-use problem.” Bars use plastic cups, catering stations use plastic plates, and decorations are often singularly comprised of soft plastics bound for the landfill.
If you have the budget, invest in a dishware service for your drinks and food service and/or partner with a vegan caterer that packages their food in recyclable or reusable containers. Encourage guests to hold on to their drinkware for repeat beverages (sanitation permitting). And, instead of soft-plastic streamers and balloons, consider decorating your event with spotlights – which are cheap, mess-free and relatively easy on the environment.
Use Virtual Tickets
Lastly, if you’re planning a ticketed event, consider using virtual tickets. There are several online apps and templates that allow you to design, customize and send QR-enabled virtual tickets for events. It may seem like a small measure toward sustainability, but remember: all these small initiatives add up.
Next time you throw an event – however grand or intimate –take time to consider environmentally friendly festivities. Your guests will appreciate your effort.