9 Things to Avoid to Make Your Event Eco-Friendly
When the world took a pause, environmental issues became a larger topic. Not that it hasn’t been a discussion with many people, but the overall population had the time to see how we impact this planet and we want to do more. Obviously you want to do more since you’re reading this post.
This resource will help you understand what NOT to do along with a solution or alternative option to guide you in the right direction.
BALLOONS
There are two types, Mylar and Latex (labeled ‘biodegradable’). These usually end up in the ocean or blown into areas where humans don’t frequent which impacts wildlife. Biodegradable balloons are not okay, they take 6 months to 4 years to start degrading and in that time are more than likely consumed by wildlife who thinks it’s food. Additionally, helium is a valuable, non-renewable resource.
SOLUTION: Don’t use them, there are many other décor options such as recyclable paper streamers and paper pin wheels.
CIGARETTES
These are toxic to humans, releases pollutants into the air and the cigarette butts end up in water streams.
SOLUTION: Make it a smoke-free event. If that is not an option, section off an area for smoking with proper receptacles and dispose of the butts as best you can.
COFFEE PODS
These plastic pods are difficult to recycle and usually end up in landfill.
SOLUTION: Set-up a coffee station with nice silver coffee urns and re-usable mugs, add in alternative milks and sweeteners too. Bonus, the coffee grounds and filters can be composted.
FOOD WASTE
Food waste thrown into a landfill produces & emits methane gas into the environment which is worse than carbon dioxide.
SOLUTION: Give accurate guest counts to the caterer. Donate unused & packaged excess food to a food rescue/shelter. Any unpackaged food that’s safe to eat let the event staff & vendors have at it (they’ll love you for it) the rest can be composted. IMPORTANT NOTE: make sure your waste management company can compost, they don’t always provide that service.
INDIVIDUAL WATER BOTTLES
They can take 450 years to decompose if not recycled. Need I say more.
SOLUTION: Host a water station with water carafes that have fruit slices and herbs and glassware. This also avoids the one sip out of a water bottle and then leave it situation (I can’t stand that one). Another great option is rent a water fill-up station(s) so people can fill their own bottle. This provides an opportunity for a branded water bottle promo piece (think glass or canteen).
INDIVIDUALLY WRAPPED PLASTIC EATING UTENCILS
How many times do people open these up to not even use everything in the plastic wrap. These plastics end up in landfill and don’t degrade.
SOLUTION: Rent eating utensils, if that’s not an option, utilize bamboo or sugarcane or bio-plastic that hopefully you can compost.
PLASTIC STRAWS
This is plastic waste that ends up in our oceans and affects marine life.
SOLUTION: Eliminate or use paper straws.
“RECYCLABLE” PAPER PLATES
Once food residue gets on the paper it is no longer recyclable as the oil and fat from food residue contaminates the recycling process, in effect, making it unusable.
SOLUTION: Look into bamboo or sugar cane plates or bio-plastics that hopefully can be composted.
STYROFOAM (aka Polystyrene)
This plastic is toxic to humans and the earth. The production of it creates air pollution and depletes the ozone layer. Styrene a component of polystyrene can leech into food and beverage AND considered a carcinogen by the National Research Council.
SOLUTION: Don’t use…end of story!!
Event planners, caterers, venues and other event vendors are adding waste reduction measures as part of their services. Ask them to help you with your green initiatives.
Here’s a download of all this info GREEN EVENT 9 THINGS TO AVOID.
Looking for more information to ‘Green’ your next event - our mini playbook ‘4 Steps to Green Your Event’ could be the right resource for you. The playbook will expand on the above, provide definitions to confusing terms and let you know options to keep it ‘Kelly’ green at your next party.
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