In today's world, environmental consciousness is paramount. All industries should answer the call to action, and events are a great place to practice sustainable efforts. From conferences to festivals, there's a growing need to integrate sustainability into every aspect of event organization, and even the smallest details help make a difference. 

Below are five simple ways to make events more sustainable:

1. Opt for Recyclable Brands: When it comes to event essentials, choosing recyclable brands can drastically reduce environmental impact. Biodegradable products like wristbands, cutlery, tableware, and name badges offer eco-friendly alternatives, without sacrificing quality or functionality. 

2. Say Yes to Veg: What better way to protect the environment than to create an event menu exclusively comprised of sustainable or locally sourced ingredients? Vegetarian or Vegan menus offer a sustainable alternative by significantly reducing the environmental footprint associated with food production, as plant-based diets require fewer natural resources compared to animal-based diets due to the amount of greenhouse gasses emitted during the process of livestock farming. Another way to highlight your support for the environment is to use vendors who locally source their ingredients. It’s a great way to support local businesses while showcasing the delicious ingredients of your region.

3. Reinvent the Swag Bag: Swag has long been a staple of events, but it's time to rethink its sustainability. Instead of traditional physical collateral, consider virtual alternatives. With the prevalence of digital business cards and the widespread use of QR codes, essential materials can be shared with the tap of a phone. If physical collateral is deemed necessary, there are still few options that keep sustainability at the forefront – try opting for seed paper to turn your spec sheets or flyers into a garden, gifting swag like seeds, plants, and consumable goods, and more. Event organizers can minimize waste and embrace innovative solutions for sustainable event marketing by embracing virtual or environmentally sustainable swag.

4. Incentivize Carpooling: Transportation significantly contributes to carbon emissions, especially during large-scale events. Encouraging attendees to carpool not only reduces environmental impact but also fosters networking opportunities beyond the event. By offering incentives or facilitating carpooling arrangements, event organizers can promote sustainable transportation practices and enhance the overall event experience. This is largely possible with the integration of a free rideshare offering at events with a large amount of attendees.

5. Promote Virtual Accessibility: With advancements in technology, offering a live stream of your event is not only more practical but also environmentally friendly! By providing attendees with the option to enjoy content from the comfort of their homes, event managers can significantly reduce the number of cars on the road, especially in congested cities like LA or Atlanta. Additionally, eliminating the need for hundreds of plane rides not only lowers carbon emissions but also enhances accessibility, making events more inclusive and impactful. It also shows event goers with mobile disabilities that they can be as much a part of the conversation as their peers.  Read our biggest tips for nailing virtual events here!

In conclusion, sustainability is not just a trend; it's a fundamental responsibility that event planners must embrace. We can work together to implement these as best practices across the event planning industry, making a difference and reducing our carbon footprint!

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