Event planning in 2023 should be done with sustainable intent – you should be aware of how to ensure that your event has the smallest carbon footprint it can possibly accumulate. Reducing your event’s carbon footprint can usually be tackled through just a few minor adjustments.
Carry on reading this article for a guide on how to reduce your event’s carbon footprint.
Simple ways to reduce your carbon footprint at events
Renewable energy
When planning your event it is important to consider what uses electricity – it is probably more than you think! From the screens and projectors at your venue to the lights and music … you can make a real difference if you opt for a venue that uses renewable energy sources to power these instead.
You should look for a venue that is vocal about using a ‘green’ electricity supplier – whether that be one that uses wind, solar or hydropower.
Food waste
Unnecessary food waste can significantly increase your carbon footprint, but you may reduce this by putting plans into place before the event. You should work with the caterers of your event to be as environmentally friendly as possible, from reducing unnecessary food packaging to opting for reusable table decorations and cutlery. You should also be aware of where you can donate surplus food after your event so it does not go to waste.
Transport
A big way that the events industry contributes to carbon emissions is through the transportation of event attendees to and from the venue. You can reduce the transport emissions from your event by encouraging your event attendees to travel to your event via public transport. A good way to do this is by selecting a venue in close proximity to a train station, or one that is easily accessible by bus.
Recycling
Recycling is an easy way to implement sustainable event practices into your event planning. By recycling materials used at your event (any paper, plastic, glass and metal) you can reduce the number of emissions that would have been produced should a new product have had to be created. You can ensure that there are recycling points throughout your venue and encourage your attendees to make use of them to increase the amount you recycle.
Composting
It is highly likely that your event will generate waste in many different forms so it is essential that, as with your food waste, you plan ahead for what will happen with the waste after your event.
An option for disposing of the said waste is through composting. You can set up a compost collection bin at your venue. You can arrange with your caterers to use 100% compostable packaging so that packaging and food waste can be disposed of in the same bins.
Plant-based food
When it comes to thinking about the catering of your event, it is not just reducing food waste that can have a positive impact on your event’s carbon footprint, but also the type of food that you serve at your event.
Animal agriculture has a significant impact on climate change and natural resources. You can reduce your event’s carbon footprint by offering a menu of predominately plant-based foods. Plant-based food options are becoming increasingly popular so it is not as difficult to organise plant-based catering as you may think.
Ready to make a positive impact on the environment at your next event? Follow the above tips and learn how you can make a difference. And when you’re ready to capture your event’s eco-friendly efforts, visit our event photographers page to book a professional photographer who shares your commitment to the planet.
Book a professional photographer near me and ensure every moment is perfectly captured.