How to make your event Environmentally Sustainable
Sustainability – a term that is getting more and more commonly heard in recent years. We are always looking for ways to go green and learn about how we can do our part to impact the environment. It would only make sense that this effort spills into the event industry.
The sustainable event trend is continuing to grow with no signs of stopping so it’s time to get on board! Many businesses and event companies in Singapore have already begun brainstorming how to implement ways they can make their events environmentally friendly.
So, what does it even mean to be “sustainable”? Well, it means that you are making changes to avoid the depletion of natural resources. Some of the first planning decisions you make — like the venue where you host the event — can make the biggest impact. So it’s at this point, in the pre-planning stages, when event organisers in Singapore have the most power to influence your event sustainability.
Here, we’ll share some effective ways to lower the carbon footprint of your event:
1. Hire the right partners
Many green meeting practices are driven by event agencies — things like recyclable name badges and paperless agendas. But hosting a sustainable meeting is largely dependent on working with other sustainability-minded partners.
When you contact potential vendors and partners, ask them about their event sustainability practices.
2. Avoid Single-Use Items
Make a conscious effort to avoid unnecessary plastic items like straws, plastic water bottles and plastic cutlery. Instead, aim for glassware and crockery, and offer water in glass bottles or from a dispenser. You can also encourage attendees to “bring a bottle” that they can refill onsite, with clean water widely available, to reduce the need for plastic water bottles.
3. Really, truly, go paperless during the event
Removing the paper in its many forms makes a very positive environmental statement. So that’s removing copies of the paper, presentations, paper questionnaires, paper badges, notepads, flyers and any other promotional material.
Event management companies in Singapore can send invitations via email or set up digital ticketing — rather than sending paper invitations or tickets. With the proliferation of smartphones, laptops and tablets you now have a more solid foundation to take your event totally online.
4. Recycle
Recycle and take it seriously, and we are not just talking about badges and lanyards. Although this alone can save you a few hundreds for your average size conference, think about the material and signage. You shouldn’t be replacing all your banners for an annual event which you know will happen every year; not everyone has to have “2019” on them. Think ahead – recycle banners and reduce the budget for next year.
Event company in Singapore can also make it easier for attendees to recycle; by placing recycling bins next to trash cans so guests can easily deposit recyclables.
5. Event Production
Using renewable energy sources with efficient system design and the latest in technology can help cut power usage and minimize carbon footprint. With the advancement in technology and continuous growth in our digital capabilities, there are many ways you can save on power to make a more sustainable event. Event agency in Singapore can provide options as simple as switching to LED lighting and lower power efficiency systems to minimize your footprint. Talk to your event management company and AV team to see how you can create a more sustainable event by using less energy. This is not only a great way to go green but can save you money!
Planning a Green event does not have to cost a tonne, simple measures can make a huge impact on the environment. Contact Twist Media to take event sustainability planning to the next level.