Music Festivals like Glastonbury generate around 107 tons of solid waste daily! That is the same weight as 18 Elephants or 54 Cars!
If you have ever been a part of running an event or even just attending an event, you will have all seen the amount of litter, debris and rubbish that is left behind once the tidal wave of visitors have come and gone.
We get it....everyone is enjoying themselves and are having some care free time to themselves, however, the damage that can be left behind by these events, and the carbon footprint that it generates, can be harmful to our environment.
In this blog, we want to help combat this.
Today, we will be exploring practical ways for you to make your zero-waste event as eco-friendly and impactful as possible. From planning and preparation all the way to clean-up.
We'll guide you on how to minimise waste, encourage recycling, and ensure your guests have an unforgettable, sustainable experience!
Get your compostable plates at the ready!
Why Host a Zero Waste Event?
What better way to impress your guests then by showing you not only care about their company, but the planet too!
There are plenty of benefits to hosting a zero waste events, not just the fact that you can brag to your visitors about how environmentally friendly you are:
Environmental Impact: By cutting down on trash and embracing eco-friendly practices for your event, you help reduce the amount of waste generated that would be heading to landfills. This means less methane gas floating around and fewer resources being wasted.
Community and Health Benefits: Non-toxic, eco-friendly products ensure that your gathering is healthier for everyone.
Cost Savings: Who doesn’t love saving money whilst having a positive impact on the environment? Zero waste events can actually help you keep those pounds in your pocket. By ditching single-use items and reducing waste disposal costs, you free up your budget for more exciting things.
Types of Events Suitable for Zero Waste
Corporate Events: Why not impress potential clients or your employees, by showing how environmentally friendly you are all whilst having a great time!
Weddings: How do you make the day even more special? With an eco-friendly one of course!
Festivals: Large gatherings can significantly reduce their environmental impact through zero waste initiatives.
Community Events: Promotes environmental awareness and responsibility within the community.
Birthday Parties: This teaches children AND ADULTS about the importance of waste reduction.
Planning a Zero Waste Event
Planning to organise any event can be a stressful experience, never mind a zero waste one.
However, if you plan properly and research the items, venue and everything else you need thoroughly, the event will run without a hitch and a single drop of waste!
Here is how to plan a zero waste event:
Set Your Zero Waste Event Goals
The first step is to always look and assess your goals for your big shindig. If it is a wedding, do you want compostable plates? How are you going to educate your guests when they arrive?
Set up clear and concise goals to measure what a successful zero waste event would look like to you.
You can think of your own goals, or feel free to use some of the ones below:
Define waste reduction targets: For instance: Achieve 90-100% Diversion from Landfills / Eliminate Single-Use Plastics by 100% / Encourage 100% Green Transportation to the event.
Identify key areas to focus on: Food waste, Single-Use Plastics etc...
Support Local Businesses - Look to cater and use local businesses for your event to reduce carbon footprint.
Choose a Green Venue
When considering which venue to use, it's always a good idea to discuss your zero waste requirements with the each venue before committing to it.
Some popular green venues to host your perfect wedding, birthday party, corporate events around Manchester could be:
All of the above offer recycling and waste programs and encourage the use of sustainable materials and practices for events.
If you are located outside of Manchester, don't worry, here are some tips to choosing the very best venue for your zero waste fun!
Look for venues with:
Recycling and Composting Facilities.
Energy-Efficient Lighting.
Accessible Public Transport.
Invitations and Marketing
When sending out those big invitations for your special day, why not cut out the cardboard cut outs and go for something a bit more eco-friendly?
Use digital platforms to send out invitations.
Harness the power of social media to send out your invites and receive RSVP.
Sign up to an event app so that you can fully track your event & invites all whilst being as paperless as possible.
Decorations
Why not celebrate your day in style?
With some disposable, biodegradable bunting & recycled paper party poppers of course!
Use natural elements (flowers, plants): These are ideal table decoration, you could always give everyone a pot to take home with them from your event for a thoughtful keepsake from the day.
DIY decorations from recycled materials: If you are feeling like saving some money, why not create your own decorations using recycled materials. I.E. Craft Banners from old fabric.
Avoid single-use items: Divert away from decorations that can only have a one time usage. Plan for items that you can use over and over again.
Catering
Food Waste can be one of the biggest culprits when it comes to events. With a large amount of food generated & handed out at any event, there is always going to be food waste that needs to be considered when planning.
It isn't just food waste to consider though, search around for compostable plates to stay on that eco-friendly track.
Here are some great ways in that you can ensure your zero-waste event minimises the amount of scran chucked away:
Partner with Local & Sustainable Caterers: Source around for local caterers who can provide food for your event. Work with your caterer to design a menu that highlights local and seasonal produce. This reduces the carbon footprint associated with transporting food and supports local farmers.
Offer Vegetarian or Vegan Options: By catering to veggies and vegans, you are reducing the amount of food wasted.
Proper Portion Sizes: We know your Uncle John might enjoy 3 plates full, but they can make do with 1 and a maccies on the way home.
Compostable Plates & Reusable Cutlery: Let's be honest, nobody wants to be supping their drinks through paper straws, however, you could use metal straws to ensure they can be washed and reused.
Waste Management Stations
Ensure all your attendees fully understand what is needed from them when binning their items, this could be by, making them aware of where bins are located, or offering some pre event email guidance on the outlay of the venue & what is expected.
Clearly Label Bins: Use clear, bold signage on all bins to indicate their purpose: recycling, compost, or landfill. Use pictures or color-coding to help guests easily identify where each type of waste should go.
Provide Guides: Offer printed or digital guides at waste stations showing examples of items that belong in each bin. Include items specific to your event to help reduce confusion.
Ensure Easy Access: Place waste sorting stations in convenient, high-traffic areas such as entrances, exits, dining areas, and near restrooms. This encourages attendees to dispose of waste correctly without going out of their way.
Volunteer Assistance: Station volunteers at waste sorting areas to assist guests and provide guidance. They can answer questions, correct mistakes, and promote waste-sorting practices.
Leftover Management
There is always going to be leftover food at your event, unless you starve all your guests of course, but we don't think that will go down too well when you come to reviews....
Plan for how you are going to manage the leftovers.
Is there a composting pile? Any local shelters to donate your food too?
There are other options out for your leftovers rather then just tipping it away:
Composting Scraps - This is self explanatory.
Donate excess food to local shelters: Donate any excess food to local homeless shelters, so that not a drop goes to waste.
Encourage guests to take home leftovers: Send your guests home with a full belly and plenty of bits for supper, the best way to create a lasting impression!
How Busy Bins can help your zero waste event
At Busy Bins, we are dedicated to helping any event on its zero waste journey.
We offer a wide range of services so that you can have full peace of mind, that if any waste does have to be collected by us, it will always be sent off to a Waste To Energy facility.
No Landfilling on our watch!
Expert Consultation: With over a DECADE of experience, we know exactly what is needed for advice on waste sorting stations on the big day & a planning guide for your waste reductions.
Customised Waste Solutions: Whether you're hosting a small gathering or a large festival, we offer all manner of waste management solutions, including bin rental, junk removal and skip hire services.
On-Site Support: For any waste event, our staff would be more then happy to be on site helping to assist and support you.
Sustainable Partnerships: We work with Waste To Energy facilities, to make sure no waste is sent off to landfill.
5* Reviews: With over 13005 star reviews on our service, what are you waiting for?
Conclusion
Remember, to host a zero-waste event you don't have to break the bank or your stress levels!
From digital invitations to sustainable catering and waste sorting, we've covered all the simple steps on to help you plan your zero waste event, large or small!
By partnering with Busy Bins, you'll have a team that's as enthusiastic about reducing waste as you are. We’ll help you manage waste, so you can fully focus on having a great time while making a positive impact.
Ready to plan your first zero-waste event?
Contact us today on 0161 766 3330 or drop us a message on our Social Media channels.
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