# Going Green: 5 Ideas for Sustainable Public Events

- Link: https://greenlivingguy.com/2021/07/going-green-5-ideas-for-sustainable-public-events/
- Published: 2021-07-06T19:03:35-04:00
- Author: Eillin Delapaz

_“What about crying whales?_

_We’re ravaging the seas_

_What about forest trails?_

_Burnt despite our pleas”_

_—-_**_The Earth Song_**

I will owe my sensitization towards the environment to the legendary **Michael Jackson**.
In the video, a girl saving a frail sapling against the backdrop of environmental
destruction is moving. Concerns over the degrading quality of nature around the 
globe have become more vocal now. 

The invention of plastic and other toxic and non-biodegradable material, greenhouse
gases, and effluents over the years set a butterfly effect in motion. Consequently,
we are currently facing the consequences. Organizations like the United Nations,
Extinction Rebellion, and the World Economic Forum along with environmental activists
such as [Greta Thunberg](https://greenlivingguy.com/2019/09/green-living-tips-how-to-produce-less-waste-when-moving/),
Dr. Shelly Miller, Jeffery Smith, etc., are fighting against climate change. 

Awareness and consciousness among millennials over climate are changing their perception.
Therefore, consumers are now on the lookout for brands that support sustainability.
This is why B2B and B2C businesses are [planning their strategies around sustainable](https://greenlivingguy.com/2012/01/oceana-arctic-ocean-plan-aims-for-sustainable-seas/)
development. In the light of the UN’s 17 SDGs or Sustainable Development Goals, 
event management companies have pledged to organize greener events.  

![Awareness and consciousness among millennials over climate are changing their 
perception. Therefore, consumers are now on the lookout for brands that support 
sustainability. This is why B2B and B2C businesses are planning their strategies
around sustainable development. In the light of the UN's 17 SDGs or Sustainable 
Development Goals, event management companies have pledged to organize greener events](
https://i0.wp.com/greenlivingguy.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/priscilla-du-preez-
Q7wGvnbuwj0-unsplash.jpg?resize=300%2C200&quality=52&ssl=1)

## How to Organise Green Events

Fiona Pelham is the MD of Positive Impacts Events. She passionately advocates organising
green events. She explains that if an [event](https://greenlivingguy.com/2021/07/going-green-5-ideas-for-sustainable-public-events/)
is for donation, we are fulfilling SDG-1, i.e. no poverty. If you provide leftover
food to the poor, you are committing towards SDG-2, i.e. zero hunger. Additionally,
SDG-3 is about good health and we can participate and sponsor wellness programs 
to support it.

But, the question is how to make these events green. Here are some ideas that can
make a difference. 

## Green Buildings

It has nothing to do with painting the venue green! A building can be branded as
a [green](https://greenlivingguy.com/2025/07/ai-enhanced-concrete-a-climate-game-changer/)
building if it has certain features. International Standard Organisation gives an
ISO 20121 certification to events and buildings to recognise them as environment
friendly. 

If you are unable to find any building, make sure they follow a strict sustainable
regime. The venue may have an in-house robust waste management system, recycling
pits, solar panels, portable green toilets, etc. You can ask for a detailed blueprint
of their [initiatives to measure the impact](https://greenlivingguy.com/2014/09/wildlife-works-redd-forest-initiatives-and-impact/)
of your event, such as:-

 * Minimising waste
 * Reducing carbon emission
 * Sociological impact
 * Economic impact

Also make certain that:

 * The venue is easily accessible via public transport
 * Adequate lodging space for cutting fuel costs in commuting between accommodation
   and venue
 * The venue is installed with fuel-efficient electronic items

All these things have been taken care of in ARIA Casino of MGM Mirage’s City Centre
Project. But you may gamble at sites like [https://www.slotsformoney.com](https://www.slotsformoney.com)
at home to avoid commutation. 

## Say No To Single-Use Plastic

The United Nations Environment Programme has reported that 69 countries have banned
plastic bags while 32 nations have levied a fee on them. European Union has also
banned plastic from 2021. Waste managers around the world report single-use plastic
as a leading source of pollution.

You can replace plastic cutlery with wooden or bamboo spoons and plates. [Paper straws](https://greenlivingguy.com/2019/11/innovation-in-the-way-we-drink-paper-straws/)
can be used too. Instead of focusing on providing [water bottles](https://greenlivingguy.com/2020/04/4-resolutions-you-can-make-this-earth-day/),
install potable water taps at different locations to avoid generating any waste 
at all. 

## Do Not Waste Food

If we rely on a report by the United Nations, rich countries waste approx. Two hundred
twenty-two million tons of food every year are equal to the total food produced 
in Africa’s Sub-Sahara region. Globally, one-third of food is waste. It is not just
about feeding the poor. Waste food lands up in dumping grounds emanating greenhouse
gases like methane on a large scale collectively. 

For hosted events, managers can arrange the food for the number of estimated guests.
You can engage [local vendors for catering arrangements](https://greenlivingguy.com/2011/04/new-york-restoration-auction-bid-for-the-earth/)
to ensure the food is available if you run short. 

Instead of serving guests with too many varieties of food to choose from, serve 
them a limited but good variety of food. You may enter into a pre-event accord with
local food donation camps or industries that use food waste, compost manufacturers,
and livestock feeding. 

## Use Recyclable Products

Say no to using single-use plastic in the form of bottles, cups, utensils, etc. 
It’s importnat to limit the use of plastic and polythene. If you use them, make 
sure you recycle after use. Steel, glass, or china-tableware can be washed after
serving food. You can use them if your budget allows. 

If food packets are distributed, every participant must be encouraged not to litter
around and dispose of them in dustbins or waste compactors. Encourage participants
to carry water with them at all times to avoid purchasing water bottles. Sachets
of sugar, salt, coffee, and tea must be collected and recycled accordingly. 

## Provide Utilitarian Promotional Merchandise

Promotional items like keychains and T-shirts end up in waste bins. Here are some
green promotional ideas:

 * Recycled notebooks
 * Plant pot and seeds
 * Recycled tote bags
 * Chinaware mugs and cutlery

By employing these methods, you can successfully organise a green event with [minimum impact on the environment](https://greenlivingguy.com/2021/03/ways-to-be-more-eco-friendly/).

_**Author:** Gaby Alex_