Keely Lords
Brand Manager
Sustainability isn't just a trendy catchphrase anymore; it’s become a crucial part of responsible event planning that reflects a true commitment to the environment. Consider these stats: trade shows alone create a staggering 600,000 tons of trash annually in the U.S. That’s a lot of waste! Each trade show attendee contributes about 4.5 pounds of waste per day—more than the average American's daily output. And to top it off, around 60% of the materials used in trade show booths end up in landfills. Clearly, it's time for a change!
By integrating sustainable practices into your events, you can cut down on this waste and show your dedication to a greener planet. Plus, with more people leaning towards eco-friendly choices, you’ll appeal to a growing crowd of eco-conscious attendees.
Ready to make a difference and have fun while doing it? Here are eight sustainable event trends to try for your next gathering.
1. Eco-Friendly Venue Selection
Choosing a venue that prioritizes sustainability is a foundational step in creating a green event. Look for venues that have certifications such as LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) or those that implement energy-efficient lighting, waste reduction programs, and water-saving fixtures. Venues with strong sustainability practices set the tone for your entire event.
Tip: Highlight the venue’s sustainable features in your event marketing to attract environmentally conscious attendees.
2. Digital Invitations and Registration
Reduce paper waste by opting for digital invitations and online registration. Platforms like Eventbrite, Greenvelope, and Paperless Post offer stylish and efficient ways to manage RSVPs and communicate with guests. This not only saves trees but also simplifies the planning process and provides an easy way to track attendance.
Tip: Use the opportunity to send attendees a video from your team inviting them and highlighting how you're incorporating sustainability into your planning process.
3. Sustainable Catering Options
Food and beverage choices have a significant impact on an event's carbon footprint. Work with caterers who prioritize locally sourced, organic, and seasonal ingredients. Plant-based menus are also gaining popularity as more people are seeking out an alternative diet option. Additionally, consider replacing the traditional plastic, single-use utensils, cups, and plates with either reusable options or a more sustainable material, such as biodegradable and 100% compostable bamboo.
Tip: It’s not only about what and how you serve, but how much. Consider teaming up with a local shelter to have excess food donated after the event to avoid excess food waste.
4. Eco-Friendly Swag and Gifting
Traditional promotional items can generate a lot of waste. Opt for eco-friendly swag that attendees will appreciate and use instead of throwing into the landfill. Instead of generating additional carbon footprint by shipping branded swag to your event and back, consider giving attendees a code to opt-in to redeem their swag after the event and have it sent directly to their chosen address. This reduces the amount of shipping and ensures that only those who want the swag receive it.
Tip: Partner with companies like Postal to source high-quality, eco-friendly gifts that align with your brand’s sustainability values.
5. Sustainable Decor and Signage
Decorations and signage can contribute to significant waste if not carefully considered. Choose to rent items that you plan to use only once and invest in pieces that can be used for multiple occasions. Digital signage is another great option, reducing the need for printed materials. Make sure that every decor item has a purpose to create minimal waste. Postal offers warehousing capabilities for your event booth items to help you reuse the same item over and over without the hassle of logistics!
Tip: Incorporate natural elements such as potted plants or flowers that can be planted locally or donated after the event.
6. Carbon Offsetting and Transportation
Transportation is a major contributor to an event’s carbon footprint, especially when attendees must fly long distances. For larger events, consider providing shuttle services using electric or hybrid vehicles. Additionally, invest in carbon offset programs to neutralize the emissions associated with your event. Partners like, Trees4Travel, offer calculators to help estimate the total carbon emissions for each attendee and the number of trees required to offset the footprint.
Tip: Promote your commitment to offsetting emissions and send a post-event follow-up highlighting how many trees you planted! People love to see good follow through.
7. Waste Management and Recycling
Implementing a robust waste management system is crucial for reducing an event’s environmental impact. Provide clearly marked recycling and composting bins throughout the venue. Work with the venue and waste management companies to ensure that waste is properly sorted and processed. Educate attendees on proper disposal practices through signage and announcements.
Tip: Track and report the amount of waste diverted from landfills to showcase your event’s sustainability efforts.
8. Educational Showcase
Create an immersive educational corner at your event dedicated to sustainability. Set up a space featuring a mix of virtual reality (VR) simulations, engaging videos, and thought-provoking trash/art installations. For example, use VR to transport attendees to a virtual world showcasing the impact of waste on the environment, or create a compelling video series highlighting real-life success stories of sustainable practices. Incorporate a visually striking trash installation that displays the amount of waste generated from single-use items, helping attendees visualize the problem firsthand. This multi-sensory approach not only educates but also inspires action by making complex sustainability concepts accessible and engaging.
Tip: Encourage attendee participation by integrating interactive elements, such as a “commitment wall” where visitors can share their plans to live sustainably. Offer small incentives, like eco-friendly giveaways, for those who engage with all aspects of the corner, reinforcing their learning and commitment to sustainable practices.
Incorporating Sustainability into Event Planning
Incorporating sustainability into your event planning process requires thoughtful consideration and a commitment to making eco-friendly choices. Here are some additional tips to ensure your event is as green as possible:
- Engage Attendees: Encourage attendees to participate in sustainability initiatives, such as bringing their own reusable water bottles or participating in activities that give back to sustainable initiatives.
- Educate and Inspire: Use your event as a platform to educate attendees about sustainability practices and inspire them to make eco-friendly choices in their daily lives.
- Measure and Improve: Track your event’s sustainability metrics, such as waste reduction, energy use, and carbon footprint. Use this data to identify areas for improvement and set goals for future events.
Your Event Can Shine While Being Environmentally Friendly
Sustainable event planning is not only beneficial for the environment but also enhances your brand’s reputation and appeal. By implementing these eight sustainable event trends, you can create memorable experiences that align with your values and resonate with eco-conscious attendees.
At Postal, we are committed to helping you achieve your sustainability goals through eco-friendly swag and gifting solutions. Contact us today to learn how we can support your next green event with our intelligent gifting platform.
