Events — from weddings and corporate conferences to local festivals — are powerful opportunities to bring people together, inspire action, and celebrate achievements. But they can also be surprisingly wasteful. According to industry research, the average event attendee produces several kilograms of waste per day, and large gatherings often leave behind mountains of single-use plastics, leftover food, and carbon emissions from travel.
The good news? With a bit of planning and creativity, you can host an eco-friendly event that delights your guests and reduces environmental impact. Whether you’re organising a charity fundraiser or a business launch, these sustainable strategies will help make your next event greener from start to finish.
1. Start with sustainable planning
Sustainability begins long before the first guest arrives. As you start mapping out your event, think holistically: how can you reduce waste, energy use, and emissions at every stage? Setting clear sustainability goals — such as going plastic-free, offsetting travel emissions, or using only local suppliers — will guide every decision that follows.
A useful way to stay organised is to use a comprehensive event planning checklist. It ensures you don’t overlook the practicalities, while giving space to integrate eco-friendly measures at each step. You can find a detailed version of this kind of resource here: The Complete Event Planning Checklist.
2. Choose a green venue
Your venue choice has one of the biggest environmental impacts. Look for locations that prioritise sustainability — think solar-powered buildings, venues with robust recycling systems, or those that offer digital ticketing to cut down on paper waste. Outdoor venues like community gardens, national parks, or even local farms can provide natural beauty and reduce the need for artificial lighting and décor.
If your event requires travel, select a central location that’s easily accessible by public transport or encourage car-sharing options. Some organisers even reward attendees who arrive on foot, by bike, or via electric vehicle to further cut emissions.
3. Rethink catering and food waste
Food is often a highlight of any event — but it’s also one of the biggest sources of waste. Work with caterers who use seasonal, locally sourced ingredients, and consider vegetarian or vegan menus, which typically have a lower carbon footprint.
Reduce waste by accurately estimating attendance numbers and donating leftovers to local shelters or composting what can’t be reused. Avoid single-use plastics by providing refillable water stations, reusable crockery, and biodegradable utensils.
4. Go paperless whenever possible
In the digital age, there’s no need to rely on printed invitations, programmes, or tickets. Event apps, QR codes, and online registration platforms can replace most paper materials entirely. If you do need to print anything, use recycled paper and eco-friendly inks.
For signage, consider reusable boards or screens that can be updated digitally, or invest in materials that can be repurposed for future events.
5. Sustainable décor and design
A stunning venue doesn’t require wasteful decorations. Focus on natural or reusable materials — potted plants instead of cut flowers, fabric banners instead of plastic ones, and locally crafted centrepieces that guests can take home. Renting rather than buying items like lighting, seating, and décor also reduces waste and cost.
If your event includes giveaways or gift bags, opt for useful, sustainable items such as reusable bottles, organic snacks, or vouchers for eco-friendly experiences rather than branded plastic trinkets.
6. Manage energy and waste responsibly
Coordinate with your venue to ensure proper recycling and composting stations are available and clearly labelled. Power your event with renewable energy wherever possible — for example, using solar generators or partnering with venues that source green electricity.
Encourage vendors and suppliers to minimise packaging and transport distances, and include sustainability clauses in your contracts. Small details like LED lighting, smart thermostats, and motion sensors can also make a surprising difference in overall energy use.
7. Leave a positive legacy
A truly eco-friendly event goes beyond reducing harm — it also gives back. Consider planting trees to offset emissions, donating a percentage of proceeds to an environmental cause, or partnering with local sustainability organisations. Share your event’s green achievements with attendees to inspire them to make more conscious choices in their own lives.
Final thoughts
Planning an eco-friendly event doesn’t mean compromising on quality or creativity. In fact, it often sparks innovation and fosters deeper connections among attendees who share a sense of purpose. By making thoughtful choices about venues, catering, décor, and logistics, you can host a memorable event that leaves behind nothing but good memories — and a lighter footprint on the planet.
