How to Plan and Run a Sustainable Event
Henrietta Russell, Founder of Peapod & Co., Shares Her Tips for Running a Sustainable Event
Sustainability has become an increasingly important consideration for events in recent years. With the UK aiming to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, it's more important than ever for event planners to consider the environmental impact of their events.
As countries and industries worldwide work towards reducing carbon emissions, businesses and individuals have the power to make a positive impact by taking proactive steps to minimise their environmental footprint. By embracing sustainable practices, we can not only contribute to the fight against climate change but also enjoy benefits such as cost savings, improved reputation, and a healthier planet.
Planning a sustainable event requires careful consideration of a range of factors, including venue choice, transportation, waste management, and catering. Henrietta Russell, Founder and Head Chef of Peapod & Co. shares her tips to planning and running a sustainable event in the UK:
Venue choice
When choosing a venue for your event, consider the location and the building's sustainability credentials.
Look for green venues that have taken steps to reduce their environmental impact, such as installing energy-efficient lighting and heating systems, using renewable energy sources, and minimising water consumption. It's also important to consider the accessibility of the venue by public transportation to reduce the carbon footprint of attendees.
2. Transport
Transportation is one of the most significant contributors to carbon emissions at events. Encouraging attendees to share transport or use public transportation, walk, or cycle to the event can significantly reduce the carbon footprint of the event.
Consider providing buses or bike parking facilities to make it easier for attendees to travel sustainably. Offer guests from outside the Uk the option to join the event virtually by live steaming the day. You can also use carbon offsetting schemes to mitigate the impact of any unavoidable travel.
3. Waste Management
Effective waste management is essential to ensure that the event produces as little waste as possible and that any waste generated is recycled or disposed of responsibly.
In January 2023, the UK government announced a range of polluting single-use plastics will be banned from October 2023. These policies build on our previous rules to eliminate plastic waste, such as: plastic straws, stirrers and shopping bags.
According to government research, England uses a staggering 2.7 billion items of single-use cutlery and 721 million single-use plates per year, but only 10% are recycled. However, this may be due to the cost of recycling business and commercial waste.
To reduce the use of single-use plastic and waste at events:
Work with your venue to ensure that there are adequate recycling facilities available.
Use reusable or compostable cups, plates and napkins instead of disposable ones.
If planning a business event or conference, encourage attendees to bring reusable water bottles and coffee cups to refill on-site or consider using a hire company to avoid single-use items.
Use re-usable and plastic-free event equipment
4. Sustainable Catering
When planning catering for your event, consider using local, seasonal, and sustainably sourced ingredients. Using seasonal ingredients can help to reduce energy consumption associated with growing produce out of season, and support local agriculture. This approach not only benefits the environment, but also supports local businesses and helps to boost the local economy. At Peapod & Co. we work with many local and sustainable suppliers in Hampshire and beyond. By choosing sustainable catering options, you can create a positive impact and contribute to a healthier planet.
5. Sustainable Branding
Sustainability should also be a consideration when it comes to event branding. Consider using sustainable materials for event signage, name badges, lanyards and promotional materials, such as recycled paper, reusable, or biodegradable materials. Avoid using single-use plastics for branding, such as banners, badges or balloons.
6. Digital Materials
If you do decide to host a business event, consider providing digital materials instead of paper-based materials. This includes things like digital invitations, event agendas, speaker bios, and presentation slides.
By providing digital materials, you can reduce paper waste and the need for shipping materials to the event location. Additionally, attendees can access the materials from anywhere, making them more accessible and convenient.
7. Collaborate with Sustainable Suppliers
When planning a sustainable event, it's important to work with suppliers who share the same commitment to sustainability. Choose suppliers who use sustainable practices and materials, and who are committed to reducing their environmental impact. This can include florists who use locally-grown flowers and professional photographers who use eco-friendly printing methods.
“I believe that creating a sustainable event is all about being mindful and making conscious choices. From the food and drink served to the decorations used, everything can be done in a way that considers the environment and reduces waste. It’s the small changes can make a big difference.
At Peapod & Co., we are committed to reducing our environmental impact and promoting sustainability in all aspects of our business, from sourcing local, seasonal ingredients to using sustainable packaging materials, wherever possible. Many of our private and corporate clients are now opting for menus that celebrate local ingredients and suppliers, from farmers and fishmongers to English vineyards and distilleries.”
Planning an green event requires careful consideration of a range of factors, including venue choice, transportation, waste management, and catering. By taking these steps, you can significantly reduce the environmental impact of your event and support the UK's efforts to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.