As we bid a sad farewell to summer and its plentiful outdoor fun, we take solace in the fact that as adaptive animals we can simply move the party inside! Party animals that we are, I am often surprised at how even the most committed “greenies” sometimes fail to see the incredible waste that we can produce while celebrating in style. With a little eco-friendly event planning, however, it’s easy to celebrate green.
Here are some quick and simple solutions to make your next celebration both great and green:
- There’s Value in the Venue:
When selecting your party’s venue, choose a location where the rental fees offer a service or investment back into the community. Park districts, art galleries, and museums are great options. I enjoy scouting non-profits or fair trade shops that have appropriate spaces and then working with them to host an event that not only provides a financial but also an awareness incentive for them. Additionally, guests are introduced to a new and unique event space that they have yet to party in.
- Keep it local:
Work with a catering company or food provider that is committed to locally produced, seasonal foods. I include a clause in all my catering contracts with an agreed upon environmental and sourcing statement. For example, 80% of all food products must be sourced from within a 100 mile radius.
- Think Inside the Box:
Serve your guests their favorites wines, juices and water beverages in more sustainable packaging, like Tetra Pak cartons made primarily from paper. These cartons use up to 90% less packaging to deliver the same amount of beverages from traditional glass and plastic bottles - and use up to 65% less energy throughout their life cycle.
- Re-use it all:
Set your tables with the old-fashioned glassware and table cloths. The amount of energy it takes to wash them at the end of a party is much less than the amount of energy spent to produce and dispose of single-use table settings. If you are hosting a large event I suggest renting the tableware from a local rental company. They deliver and pick up the dirty dishes at the end of the night!
- Repurposed décor:
I often head right to the local prop rental shop for unique and interesting décor elements. Fun, funky and waste-free!
- Sustainability is about people too:
Thinking of plugging in an iPod at your next party? Snooze. Support your local arts community by hiring a DJ, guitarist, or circuit bender to create some groovy sounds. It will have a profound impact on the feel and vibe of your party and garner exposure for the talented folks in your community.
Eco-friendly events are not necessarily about extra effort, but about a little awareness. If we all start with these little, easy changes around the planning of our favorite occasions, the planetary health and sustainability we’ll generate will be the real reason to celebrate! For more ways to green your next event visit www.pivotalchicago.com and download our Lean, Mean, and Green ™ List!
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Shannon Downey is founder of Pivotal Production LLC, Chicago’s premier green event company, a certified B Corporation. She is a faculty member at DePaul University and future tenant of the Green Exchange.
