Creating a New Normal: Planning & Attending Events

Are you ready to paint the town red GREEN? Over the past few months, all events have been called off or moved online. While this removes the human touch, it also drastically reduces the carbon footprint of events (and every face-to-face activity). The benefits of this cannot be ignored and is welcomed news for environmentally conscious people and organisations. As we transition to a ‘new normal’, we must ask ourselves what that should look like. There are lessons to be learned and changes that must be made so that when events do eventually come back offline, the emissions don’t spike and make up for lost time. 

There are several ways you can ‘green an event’ and stop the carbon footprint from stealing the show... A ‘green event’ is an event (of any type or colour scheme) that is planned and conducted in an environmentally and socially responsible manner. This means conscious planning from start-to-finish to ensure there is as minimal harm to the planet and people as possible. 

This can seem impossible when you consider the disposable nature of event’s we’ve come to expect and accept all around us. So the best advice is to start small, try just making a list of products or services used for an event you’ve been to, how many of those have a more environmental alternative? Probably quite a few, from paper straws to biodegradable glitter, there are so many alternatives! At this point it's vital to note that 'biodegradable' doesn't always mean it's easy to degrade. Many of these alternatives must be sorted in special waste management centres, so keep this in mind when making your choices. “Ah, the cost”, I hear you cry. To be blunt, many of these alternatives will cost more than the disposable options, however, they will also last longer if they are reusable, or if they are single-use they’ll be long gone without worry! As shocking as it may seem there's also plenty of opportunity to remove certain products completely. Ask yourself, "What value will this bring to the event?". If it's just because it's normal to use it, maybe that's not a good enough reason?

Think back to that ‘new normal’, our planet cannot afford things to return to the disposable ways of before. Whether you’re a planner or a patron, try applying some TLC to your Transport, Location, and Catering choices… 

Planning a Green Event

There are endless alternatives and ways to make your event more environmentally friendly. Below are some tips for planning your green transport, location and catering. 

Transport 

Encouraging your attendees to travel together or by public transport can do a lot more than you may think. Many events (not enough or this wouldn’t be worth writing) offer park-and-drive transport, such as a coach from one central location to the event venue.  While it does come with the extra cost of hiring said transport, the reduction in your events carbon footprint not only does good but helps boost your brand as a more sustainable business. This massively reduces the amount of cars on the road and venue car park, increases the control you have as an organizer and takes stress away from attendees so they can enjoy the event even more.

Location 

The chosen location can make or break any event! Location can include the venue and services within that, if you’re renting a location for an event there are certain considerations that can make the event a whole lot greener. Some venues pride themselves on their sustainability, you can find listings near you using sites such as Choose Your Venue and narrow down using the search features. 

Depending on the type and size of your event, venues that do not seek out green alternatives can be encouraged, at least for your event. Never forgot the simple logic of, if you don’t ask, you won’t get; what’s the harm in asking? Venues want your business, and if the only way they can get it is by being more sustainable they will quickly adapt. 

Catering 

There are several ways to cut down the carbon in catering. Try sourcing from local catering options allowing your event to support independent business. The transportation of products often contributes significantly to their emissions and this is a reduced factor if you buy local. As an organiser you can be very selective with your catering options, much like the location. Remember, they want your business! Having a mostly, or completely vegetarian menu will significantly reduce the carbon emissions before your caterers even start cooking. Find out how your caterers work, what resources they use, disposable, etc. and where possible encourage them to use biodegradable or reusable equipment. Conscientiousness can come at a cost, it’s easy to find a caterer without regard for sustainable solutions, but easy does not always mean best. 

If you get stuck with the nitty gritty of sustainability there are endless resources online. One tool you can use is the My Climate calculator to offset your emissions, you fill in the form and the server will calculate the carbon footprint of your event. This is an easy way to see where and how you can make your event greener! Make your efforts known, if you’re using an environmentally conscious venue, caterer, or any other service brag about it. Not only will this provide good publicity for your event, but also for the organisations associated. Doing it for the right reasons doesn’t stop you from showing it off, and in the long run you may inspire other organisations to do the same. . 

Being a Green Attendee 

Most factors at an event are out of attendee control, however there are some very important aspects that attendees can take full ownership of no matter the event. Remember that every item you buy, every ticket, every meal, all of it represents your vote as a consumer. Use your vote wisely and try (where possible) to choose the sustainable option. The more we as consumers show organisers that we not only want, but need more sustainable choices the more available they will become. With that the dreaded high costs should also come down, it's a big green win-win all round. 

Vote With Your Vehicle 

Okay, so maybe Cinderella won’t be biking to the ball, but what about a pumpkin pool? Sharing a lift with someone not only reduces your carbon footprint but also your boredom (make sure to pick someone you like). Using public transport or another green alternative can sometimes be cheaper and easier, many venues require you to pay for parking, or have extremely limited parking. Take advantage of any transportation the event organisers may be offering, or try to reach out to other attendees and car share. These simple changes can make all the difference to your personal carbon footprint and the overall footprint of the event.     

Vote With Your Plate  

Don’t worry, this isn’t some anti-meat secret agenda, but the facts about our food's emissions cannot be ignored. The carbon footprint of the average meat lover is almost double that of a vegetarian, why not try eating meat free for your time away? With an increase in demand for sustainably sourced food event organisations will want to meet that demand and opt for more green catering options. Large scale events, such as festivals, may have multiple catering options for you to choose from. Consider the packaging, where the food is sourced from, how the employees may be treated… you don’t need to spend hours researching but look out for indications of how that company operates. Generally speaking when a company makes a green choice, you’ll know about it. The same can be said for the opposite, when there is no indication of any environmental interest it’s often (but not always) a sign there is little to know interest. Keep these factors in mind when deciding on what to eat at events. 

Use Your Voice 

Now that you’ve got all these new environmental ideas - let them be known. Speak up, post, and tell the people around you on-and-offline about how they too can help make this new normal a green one. When you attend a sustainable event, notice the efforts of businesses around you, tell others and encourage them to experience it themselves. More so, try and see where there are still improvements to be made.

There has been an increase in businesses 'greenwashing', focusing on a limited area of sustainability that they do well in; often ignoring the rest. As marketing often highlights the (limited) green aspects this gives consumers the impression that the business is far greener than it is in reality. Be wary of these 'one hit wonders' of sustainability and demand better whenever possible. Even the most sustainable brands still have a great deal of work to go before they can stop improving.

The more of us seeking out sustainability, the easier it will be to find. Remember that as a customer and attendee, you can make a difference with your choices, so make them worth it.