How to Plan an Eco-Friendly Event

Planning an eco-friendly event can be easy.

As a caterer and event planner, I've received calls from people asking if we use china and glassware or biodegradable products - so it's pretty clear that people are thinking about sustainability.

When we produce events and parties, we purchase TerraPass renewable energy on our clients behalf. Sometimes they forget that being green is a part of our policy. When UPS delivers their framed certificate, displaying that they've helped to reduce their carbon footprint, they feel good about it and are surprised.

If you're unsure of where to begin, you can call on an event planner who has researched (and is experienced) at taking over the greening of special events and parties. Aware of online and offline resources that offer the tools and advice necessary to produce sustainable events, hiring an "in the know" event planner will save you time because you won't have to find the information for yourself.

Once a plan is in place, an event planner can be of tremendous help - offering on and off-premise site ideas and solutions to help you meet your goals.

Some things that you should consider are to:

1. Have a recycling program
   
2. Work toward zero waste in the kitchen
   
3. Use leftover food for composting, or donate it to a food bank
   
4. Serve hormone and antibiotic-free meats and organic and local produce
5. Make a commitment to using renewable energy sources
   

When you're planning an event or party:

1. Buy recycled materials when making your purchases
   
2. Use china or biodegradable products for serving all food and beverages
3. Offset environmental impact through carbon credits
   
4. Minimize paper with Internet-based invitations, online event registrations and email follow-up
5. Host multiple events and parties with the same planner and caterer, and/or host multiple session events or meetings at a central location to save on transportation needs and fees

Although there may not be a mass green-event movement yet, the positive changes toward the environment in planning events and parties are definitely growing. With people making big and small changes, year after year, eventually there will be a noticeable difference in the health of our planet and the organizations that people own and work for.

Are you greening at your home or business on a daily basis? And, are you practicing greening at your special events and parties?

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