How To

How to Host an Environmentally Friendly Outdoor Event

Going green is important, and that extends to environmentally friendly outdoor events. You may not realize it, but there are several things you can do to make your next outdoor event more eco-friendly. Simple steps like the ones here will help you reduce your reliance on fossil fuels, create an environmentally friendly event, and even achieve your sustainability goals. Get started with these tips.

Offer Group Transportation

Are the majority of the event participants coming from one part of town or will they be flying in around the same time? Offer group transportation to cut back on carbon emissions and reduce everyone’s carbon footprint. Depending on the size of the group, you can arrange for an event van to pick everyone up from one centralized location or arrange for it to pick them up from their hotels and homes.

For smaller groups, you can arrange a shared ride in an SUV. As a bonus, no one has to worry about being a designated driver! Group transportation is more than just environmentally friendly – it also gives people a chance to socialize and enjoy themselves without the stress of driving.

Ask About Green Certifications

Many outdoor event venues now boast green certifications. This is especially true with caterers and companies that provide audiovisual equipment rentals. When hiring vendors, ask them if they have green certifications or check their website to find out if they’ve made a public commitment to reduce their carbon impact. Sustainability certifications require vendors to meet a set of criteria, and you can ask them directly about their green efforts. Look for vendors and companies who find ways to reduce their environmental impact.

Use Digital Invitations

What if you didn’t have to spend money on printed invitations for your event? Use digital invitations instead! There are so many digital invitation platforms these days. You’ll have many design options to choose from, including fun animated designs and instant RSVP options that let you know right away how many people to expect. And you can do more than just invite people. Write a newsletter, include fun GIFS, advertise for your event through paid advertising online (if it’s a public event), or even send text messages.

Digital invitations are more than just green. They’re also effective! Overall, 85% of Americans go online on a daily basis, so you can be sure your invite will arrive in their inbox (and not get lost in the mail). 

Use Green Products and Utensils

Reusable utensils and dishes are becoming more common for outdoor events and so are utensils made from recycled materials. There are even compostable table linens, plates, and utensils in some areas. When ordering products for your event, look for products that are reusable, compostable or made from recycled materials. If you need single-use linens or utensils, purchase products that can be recycled or will biodegrade quickly when they’re thrown away. 

Go Green with Portable Toilets 

The number of portable toilets you should have at your event depends on the number of people attending and how many hours they’ll be there. Did you know you can save water by ordering the right number of porta potties? Conversely, you’ll waste water and possibly over-pollute if you order the wrong number. Work with a reputable and honest waste provider to ensure you get the right number for your event. While you’re ordering portable toilets, water-free hand sanitation stations save water while ensuring guests can keep their hands clean.  

Don’t Forget Recycling Bins

When scheduling your waste services, ask about recycling bins for your event. Even if it’s a small event, you can create your own recycling bins by clearly labeling bins to differentiate them from regular garbage. Some waste vendors will supply you with recycling bins and even composting bins for food waste (although these are still somewhat rare).

If you want to go the extra mile, provide separate bins for glass, paper, food waste, and metal recycling and label each bin. Check with your waste provider to find out what kinds of event recycling are available in your area. We work with planners nationwide to help coordinate event trash and recycling pickup, so we can help you get this sorted.   

Waste disposal is one of the first lines of defense when it comes to protecting the environment. If you’re planning an outdoor event – no matter the season – give us a call to schedule all your dumpster, event fencing, and storage rentals.