How to run a Sustainable Event

Events are essential for student groups, but we can all take steps to make sure our events are a little more sustainable and better for the environment. Follow these steps to ensure your event is as green as it can be.

Go meat free/locally sourced

Vegans and vegetarians tend to have lower carbon footprints. By reducing the amount of meat, fish and dairy at events, you can lower yours too! You can also do this by shopping locally, not shipping items a long way and making sure any food you buy is ethically sourced. When you buy locally made goods you support people in your community and reduces climate change and greenhouse gases.

Use tap water

Plastic bottles are a menace when it comes to the environment. Only 1 in 5 bottles is recycled and the remainder get set to landfills. Take action and say no to bottled water and start drinking tap water instead!

Good public transport links

If you’re going to be having an event, consider where you’re based. Is it in the centre? Is there a good bus route? If a lot of you are going on a trip, maybe you could organise the travel vis public transport. Or even better, hold your event right here at uni!

Less printed media

Paper is made from trees and having more paper than trees is not an option. Sustainable printing methods are becoming ever so popular. Let’s reduce the amount of paper we use on the daily basis by:

·         Storing online receipts on your computer files

·         Printing double-sided.

·         Making use of technology by handing out digital pdf.

Consider your input on the local community

It might be time to consider your impact on the local community. If you stay in the same neighbourhood, you could try and give something back to the local community for example by using community gardens or composting. This can make the area slightly greener and offset your carbon output.

Try to offset your emissions that day

Speaking of offsetting your carbon output – some things will be unavoidable in event planning. Lights, music, energy, these things are all essential and you can’t cut them out. However, if you’re planning something that will consume a lot of energy and water, you can plan to reduce the other outputs you have for the day. For example, you could not drive on that day, or not vape/smoke, and this will make up for any additional output that day.

Think about waste

It’s easy to not think about waste. We are quite distanced from the waste we produce ad often don’t give it much thought. You can make many swaps to ensure your waste can be recycled or cut out completely.

For instance, you could try using paper plates and cups if you’re eating and use eco friendly decorations. If you only use what is necessary and make swaps for more sustainable products, your waste will be greatly reduced.

Get reusable swag

If you’re wanting to get matching hoodies to show you’re all part of the same Club or Society, maybe you could show your dedication through other ways. For example, you could get matching eco gear, fairtrade hoodies or even reusable straws!