The drive to host eco-friendly business events is gaining momentum, and it’s a shift driven by
undeniable merit. Traditional events often leave a significant ecological footprint, generating
substantial waste in the form of discarded food, emissions, energy consumption, and more. In
fact, an average participant at a public event contributes approximately 2.5 pounds of waste
per day. Regrettably, a substantial portion of this waste finds its way into landfills, perpetuating
environmental harm. In this context, it becomes imperative to explore avenues for
incorporating sustainability into your next business event.

A sustainable or “green” event is one meticulously planned to minimize its environmental
impact. These events are designed with the intent to curtail energy consumption, reduce
carbon emissions, and limit the waste generated — factors traditionally associated with such
gatherings. One approach to infusing sustainability into meetings, conferences, or product
launches involves a conscientious choice of locally sourced and organic food. Local sourcing
reduces carbon emissions associated with transportation, while the preference for vegetarian
and vegan meals reduces the carbon footprint linked to meat production.
Furthermore, innovative “no-waste” catering options can significantly curtail food wastage.
Should there be any surplus food, consider donating it to local food banks, further diminishing
the environmental impact. Another step toward sustainability is the reduction of single-use
plastics at the event, achieved by offering reusable utensils, cups, and dishes or opting for
biodegradable alternatives.
In an era of digital connectivity, a shift from traditional physical invitations to digital outreach
can have a remarkable effect. The utilization of digital invites via event apps, websites, and
email not only reduces paper waste but also mitigates carbon emissions stemming from the
transportation of physical invitations. Moreover, embracing the concept of virtual or hybrid
events can take sustainability to the next level by further minimizing waste.
Guests often anticipate the swag bags that accompany business events, and this presents an
opportunity to align with sustainability goals. Consider furnishing attendees with sustainable
gifts such as recyclable items, including reusable water bottles and clothing crafted from
organic cotton. Alternatively, you can provide digital gift cards or contributions that support
environmental and sustainable causes.
For a comprehensive exploration of strategies to infuse sustainability into your business event,
refer to the accompanying resource. Discover how these conscientious choices can not only
reduce the environmental impact of your event, but also resonate positively with participants,
highlighting your commitment to a greener future.

Infographic created by FIRST

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