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HelpEarth Day, Everyday: Tech Tips for Sustainable Events
As an event planner, you’re already well aware of everything that goes into planning a single event. But until the date has come and gone, you might not realize just how much environmental waste could have been prevented.
Earth Day comes and goes each year, but event professionals are looking for more ways to create greener, more sustainable events year-round. From “going green” with new technology to simply using fewer resources, there’s more than one way to make your next event more eco-friendly and entertaining.
More Paper More Problems
Paper waste is a big problem, but it’s one that you can easily take steps to reduce. Instead of printing out pages upon pages of invitations or handouts, take to the cloud - there are some great cloud-based tools you can try that keep event schedules and key updates running live across everyone’s mobile device. If you’re scheduling a presentation, have the information available via GoogleDocs or DropBox and encourage attendees to access additional notes digitally.
And if you’re still pre-printing badges, well, the time has come to move to on-demand badge printing or even RFID badges at check-in.
Greener Pastures
What’s an event without food? If you’re serving food or refreshments, forego disposable plates for affordable ones you can rewash, and don’t include straws. In addition to your eco-friendly plates, you can make your dishes sustainable as well. Look for caterers who source local ingredients - this way, not only will your food use less gas to get to you, it will also probably be healthier as well.
Energy-Efficient Events
You know how shutting off lights at home can lower your energy bill? Now consider how much that will benefit a large event room. Look for lights that are energy efficient; LEDs with an Energy Star rating drain less electricity than traditional bulbs. If you’re hosting your event in the daytime on a bright day in a well-windowed venue or space, you can shut off the lights without worry! You should also be mindful of the temperature of your venue - lowering the heat just a couple of degrees can make a world of difference in terms of overall energy consumption.
Go the Extra Mile
If you are organizing a long-term event, such as a multi-day convention, you’ll want to have appropriate lodging for your guests. Is it possible to work with a hotel that emphasizes sustainability too? Many hotels are doing what they can to reduce energy consumption. However, if you can find a location that has taken the initiative to install solar panels, smart thermostats, or water-saving equipment, you can expect to find a partner in sustainability.
Hosting a sustainable event can go even further still. Have you ever considered how much gas is consumed through event attendees driving in separate cars? Convey your “green” message to attendees and communicate the perks of going car-free with public transit. (Great for getting to know a new city or location!) If possible, schedule your event at a venue that is easily accessible by bus, train, or metro.
Sustainability is an ongoing effort that goes beyond Earth Day. Remind your event planning team and staff that any initiative to reduce, reuse and recycle our Earth’s resources is a step in the right direction.
Guest Author Bio: Beth Kotz is a freelance business writer specializing in new technology and finance. Beth earned a BA in Communications and Media from DePaul University in Chicago, IL, where she continues to live and work.
Reducing paper for attendees is just the start. By implementing event software, RFID management, and NFC-enabled badges or wristbands, event planners are making events environmentally friendly and engaging.
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