According to the meetgreen site, the average conference visitor generates 1.89 kg of waste per day, of which 1.16 kg goes directly to landfill. In case the participants arrive from abroad, the carbon footprint of the event is even more significant. For example, someone who flies from London to New York and back produces about the same level of emissions as the average EU citizen by heating his household all year round. We will all agree that events have several positive effects, but they also leave a carbon footprint that is not negligible. In the light of increased concern for the environment, we should always think about how to make a “greener” event or reduce the adverse effects on the footprint. While this probably seems like a big investment to you, it certainly doesn’t have to be, and through a few examples we’ll introduce you to a few proven ways.
Reduce the use of plastic
Plastic is still widely represented at events, from accreditations, plastic cups and bottles to ballpoint pens and bags. It is clear to us that you cannot invest in completely replacing all plastic, but you can choose to use cardboard cups or accreditations to print on recycled paper instead of plastic ones and use them without cases.
Transport organization for participants
Whenever possible, arrange for participants to be transported together to the event location instead of everyone coming in their own car. Encourage participants to come by bike and provide them with bicycle parking during the event (for example, there is a permanent bicycle parking in our Center, which encourages many employees to come to work more often on two wheels). As the organizer of the “Green” meetings, we try to mitigate the carbon footprint of the arrival of foreign lecturers by paying additional amounts to reduce CO2 emissions with the plane ticket.
Choose the right location and suppliers
More and more people are aware of the need to preserve the planet, and the event industry is no exception. Choose locations and suppliers that will support you in your intention to organize a “greener” event and further contribute to its sustainability with your ideas. Also choose a location that fits the dimensions of your event to reduce the amount of waste.
Plan how to reduce food and beverage waste
Did you know that the use of local and organic food has a beneficial effect on the environment, thanks to the reduction of transport-related emissions? You can also arrange in advance with the catering company you hire to donate the rest of the food, for example, to the soup kitchen and arrange the transport of the leftover food.
Use technology, not paper
No need to print a program or presentations. A good event application will give participants all the necessary information, and it is also more environmentally friendly. Additionally, if you use a quality registration system, there will be no need to print participant lists, but you will be able to do everything with the help of a computer.
If you decide to organize a “greener” event, we advise you to start exploring because you will surely discover more additional possibilities. As an agency that professionally organizes events, we can help you with that and conceptually design your green event. Aware of the need to care for the environment, we have created “Think Green” meetings, and you can find out more about them by clicking on the link.
