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Hosting a sustainable event may not sound as exciting as the traditional glamorous extravaganzas we have all grown used to. But when every gathering leaves a mark, sustainable events are a step in the right direction.
“It's the little things citizens do. That's what will make the difference. My little thing is planting trees.”
Wangari Maathai, founder of the Green Belt Movement.
Individual actions, taking small but significant steps, are needed to change for the better.
Brands and marketing agencies are all aware of the wasteful nature of conventional marketing campaigns. The carbon footprint left by these is massive and weighs heavily on the minds of the eco-conscious people involved.
However, the good news is that sustainable events are no longer a distant ideal and their impact is outstanding. According to a study, if an event is sustainable, the carbon footprint can be reduced by 30%.
Read on as we share some exciting sustainable event ideas for your next campaign.
A sustainable event is one where the focus is on reducing the environmental impact. It is planned in a way that a memorable experience can be created without harming the planet.
Eco-friendly practices are adopted while designing and organising so that the event is in keeping with the principles of sustainability.
The main features sustainable event management must include are:
Sustainable event ideas engage the audiences equally effectively as traditional ones. They are a way of helping companies and brands show their commitment to environmental and social responsibility.
Switching to sustainable events does not mean giving up on the glitz and glamour. If done right, this form of marketing can be equally engaging and fun, if not more. And the instant gratification you get after “going green”, is immeasurable!
First things first. When advertising the event, make sure to do it in an eco-friendly way. Opt for digital campaigns. Use social media platforms to promote the campaign.
At the same time, all the marketing materials, brochures or banners should be printed on recycled paper or biodegradable materials. This will help reduce the waste created at the event and the company can remain true to its sustainability claims.
There are many benefits of holding an event virtually.
With no need for transportation, the event avoids carbon emissions entirely. Energy conservation is another major benefit, as no venue lighting, heating, or cooling is required. There is no need for any electricity consumption resulting in the conservation of energy.
Hosting the event online also means that there is no need for any catering, and this helps prevent excessive food and plastic wastage. Considering that about 8 million tonnes of plastic waste enters the oceans every year, every little effort counts.
Hybrid events, a blend of in-person and virtual, are also a sustainable form of marketing.
These events give attendees the liberty to join either physically or online, doing away with the need for large-scale transportation.
Reducing the need for commuting, accommodation of guests, and energy usage at the venue reduces the event's carbon footprint.
Hybrid events are great for organisations that wish to reduce their environmental impact without compromising on the quality of the experience.
For an event to be considered zero-waste there should be absolutely no waste generated from the beginning to the end.
The first step is to make sure not to use any single-use products. This means no plastic utensils, no banners or pamphlets. Opt for reusable or recyclable alternatives.
Send out digital invites and tickets instead of paper or plastic ones. Let the food and beverages be served in reusable containers.
Make sure all the materials that are used in creating the event are sustainable. Ditch any decor items that are bound to add to the waste at the end of the event.
When planning your next campaign look for a venue that is eco-friendly. For this purpose consider all the ways that your event could reduce its environmental impact.
Think of a site which does not rely on heavy use of electricity for lighting. Choose open sites with lots of natural light and ventilation. You could also select a venue that relies on renewable energy sources such as solar or wind power.
The "Turn Cans into Jams" project by Bigger Agency, in collaboration with Kopparberg, was a sustainable initiative with a mobile venue.
A repurposed Swiss army truck, known as the "Recycling Rig," was outfitted with upcycled materials and equipped with a recycling wheel.
The rig travelled to London parks, where people traded empty bottles and cans for extended music sessions. This creative activation encouraged recycling while creating an enjoyable, eco-conscious experience for the community.
When choosing a swag for your event, go for the ones that match your eco-conscious values. Instead of choosing the traditional plastic paper or disposable items that end up in landfills, consider going for something which is biodegradable or recyclable.
Giveaway items could include reusable water bottles, edibles or even plantable seed paper.
Also, make sure that the bags you pack the items in are either biodegradable or recycled.
A great way to keep your event sustainable is to choose local suppliers for your catering. Sustainable catering means you serve food that is organic and sourced from local farmers and producers. The food supplies do not have to be transported or shipped over long distances cutting down on the carbon footprint of the event.
When the source of the food is nearby, there will not be any need for extensive plastic packaging, and the entire process will become more cost-effective.
The way your guests reach the venue will have a huge impact on the carbon footprint the event leaves.
Encourage your attendees to use public transport. If the event is organised in a central location, it will be easier for the guests to reach by bus, train or subway.
Motivate them to carpool or offer shuttle services that use electric or hybrid vehicles so that you can help bring down carbon emissions and host a greener more eco-friendly event.
Sustainable event ideas can help your brand gain customer loyalty from the eco-conscious audience. When brands think about sustainability and environmental responsibility it has a positive impact on consumers who care about the planet.
This means there will be a deeper emotional connection with the audience and will encourage long-term relationships.
There is no easy solution to the environmental crisis we are all faced with today. We need to all pitch in and do our part. It is time for action, for positive steps to be taken no matter how small.
So think about all these ideas when planning your next event and be kind to the planet while you celebrate!
