Go Green – How to Plan an Event with a Conscience
Saving the planet is top of the agenda for many businesses and organisations as clients and investors increasingly take note of corporate social responsibility when it comes to the environment.
Many businesses are already making small changes such as recycling and energy conservation but don’t realise that the same ethos can be applied when planning corporate events such as conferences, product launches or exhibitions.
When you are planning your budget, what you save on grand gestures and opulence that are often ignored could go towards a professional event planner who will be able to source eco products and put on a stellar event.
Here are a few top tips for planning a green event that will impress your guests even more because of its eco credentials:
Send out e-invitations – Most businesses are on email now so sending out an electronic invitation will save on paper, postage costs and will also give your guests an easy way to rsvp. Email can even allow you to be more creative with your invitations by using memorable graphic design.
Pick a thoughtful venue – Choose a venue with a recycling policy and with good public transport links and make sure you provide information to your guests on how to get there using a bus, tram, train or on foot.
Decorate with flair and thought - Instead of spending lots of money on decorations that are perishable or disposable, look for recyclable or compostable options. This includes table and room decorations, tablecloths, napkins and candles. A quality event planner will help you to source a range of unique and innovative ways to decorate your space that will still wow your guests.
Eat seasonal – Source food that is in season or locally grown – not only will it taste better but it has the added bonus of boosting the local economy.
Drink green – It is possible to buy eco friendly wine but, depending on your venue’s corkage rules, this might be too expensive. It’s still possible to go green with your beverages by shunning fancy bottled water for equally refreshing jugs of tap water.
Trade fair – If you are serving coffee and chocolate after the meal, make sure it carries the Fairtrade stamp on it which makes a big difference to the coffee-producing communities worldwide.
All these tips will mean your event has a positive impact on both the local and international environment which is an attractive selling point for any business. With a professional touch and a bit of creativity you can have an event that sparkles and supports the planet all in one go.