Eco-Celebrations: A Guide to Creating Plastic Free Events
At Wrapped, being eco-conscious is our top priority. Sustainable event practices are essential in dealing with population growth, an ever-changing environment and waste management. But how can we event experts start? Plastic free events are a powerful step in the right direction in creating memorable experiences while minimising our environmental footprint. The single use plastics ‘convenience’ myth is detrimental to our planet, with damaging impacts on our environment.
This guide will showcase how plastic free events are not out of reach. Our recommendations below can help you have a positive impact on contributing to a greener tomorrow.
Steps to Creating a Plastic Free Event
Educate Everyone
The first step to creating a plastic-free event is to educate everyone! Awareness of the harmfulness of plastic is a must as it allows event managers to say ‘No’ to excessive plastic use. Insist on a plastic use ban at your event, this sets a standard for clients, vendors, attendees and leads a sustainable approach for future events.
A great way to educate others is to mention reasons why it’s best to remove plastic at events. Discuss the impacts of environmental pollution plastic;
Plastic takes centuries to decompose, leaking pollutants into water and air.
Plastic is a main reason for drain clogs, littered parks, and polluted landfills.
Plastics are one of the main products of fracking.
Has a negative effect on wildlife.
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
The 3Rs are our eco-friendly mantra for organising plastic free events. It might be difficult to eliminate plastic in events such as conferences (name tags and pens are made from plastic) however an alternative would be to find items made with recyclable plastic. It’s important to know, not all recyclable plastics are recycled and it’s important to know how your waste will be separated and recycled.
Communicate With Clients
As an event manager it’s important to communicate your plastic free commitment to the client when offering event services. Setting an example to industry is a wonderful step in supporting the environment at large, reducing plastic use within the sector and ensuring clients are prepared.
Sustainable Alternatives
Reduce Plastic: Food and drink are large contributors to waste and plastic use. Ideally, durable dishes, cutlery and glasses are the best solution to be plastic free, however some compostable alternatives are helpful in reducing the event footprint. An eco-friendly option from previous events is utilising plant-able paper tickets, it’s the ultimate green souvenir!
Water on Tap: Set up a water bar filtration system in the venue offering filtered tap water in durable glasses. Water bottles are not only made of plastic, but a lot of water and plastic can go to waste when people throw away half used bottles. If guests insist on compostable cups, charge a fee - they are not a great option, but much better than plastic cups.
Collect the Plastic: At many events and conferences, name tags are mostly made of plastic and never used after the event – collect, collect, collect! Ask guests to return their plastic name tags towards the end of the event so you can reuse them. Mention the environmental benefits in collecting their name tags to raise awareness for future events.
Waste Management: Label and utilise different bins for different purposes. Every event has food and drink waste, with a lot of different waste to manage. Access to multiple bins is crucial for event attendees. A great idea is to use a different bin for recyclable and compost, plus have another bin available for plastic waste to monitor how successful your plastic free event was!
BYO: Ask guests to bring their own reusable water bottles, coffee cups, pens, and other items to make a clear and conscious effort in reducing plastic usage.
Sync With Suppliers
Catering is a huge part of an event with disposable boxes, spoons and cups a high contributor to event plastic pollution. It’s vital catering aligns with the plastic free event. Make sure to communicate with the caterer prior to the event and discuss strategy and solutions to remain plastic free.
Giveaways and Gifts
Who doesn’t love a gift bag? We love it when they’re not made of plastic! At conferences, giveaways feature pens, USB flash drives, fridge magnets – lots of plastic. A sustainable giveaway is a great way to focus on the quality of the product rather than the quantity. Remember, you can offer one great item to use several times instead of multiple small plastic items that may never be used.
Start At Home First
You do not have to be an event manager or an environmentalist to promote eco-friendly solutions. Your responsibility to reducing plastic starts at home by:
Using stainless steel or glass instead of plastic boxes.
Utilise your own bag instead of a plastic bag. Cloth bags are reusable!
Celebrate with plastic-free birthday parties and set an example to your guests.
For an outdoor event, ask your guests to carry their own water bottles, cups, and cutlery.
Educate your children of the adverse effects of using plastic and the consequences.
Follow the 3R mantra - Reduce, Reuse, Recycle!
Are You Ready to Make a Positive Impact?
This plastic free event guide offers ways to contribute to a greener tomorrow. It’s vital event managers eliminate single use plastics at events and opt for an eco-friendly solution to celebrate sustainably. Creating plastic free events is more than just swapping materials; it's a mindset shift.
By collaborating with like-minded vendors, suppliers and clients, you can empower attendees to embrace sustainable living beyond the event.
Co Founder and Chief Executive Officer,
David Yakas
