In today’s modern world we’re all being encouraged to look for ways we live in a more eco-sustainable way. Business is also being encouraged to play a part in looking after the future of the planet. The events industry is one area of business that receives a lot of bad press because of the impact it has on the planet.

Glossy brochures, long-distance travel, huge amounts of waste and high levels of energy consumption mean events make a big impact. It is. however, possible to make events greener and more sustainable. Here are 5 ideas to get you thinking about the next event you plan.
Choose an Eco-Friendly Location
Picking the right venue is an integral part of organising any kind of event. If you’re planning a small evening event, for example, in a restaurant setting, check out how sustainable its practises are. Royal Lancaster Island Grill restaurant is a good example of a sustainable venue. It serves locally sourced British dishes, and its focus is on sustainability.
Source Local Food and Donate Leftovers

If you’ve decided to host a much larger event and are looking for local suppliers, check out those with a reputation for using local food, farms, and producers. It’s also a good idea to devise a menu that takes advantage of seasonal produce.
When the event is over what are your plans for the leftover food? Consider donating it to food pantries and shelters, as there may be some of these in the city or town where you’re hosting the event.
Use Eco-Friendly Products
Pick plastic-free products as this demonstrates your commitment to sustainability. Ditching plastic straws is an obvious choice, along with plastic cups, glasses, plates, and cutlery. Choose a sustainable venue and there will be practices already in place.
Eliminate Paper
A huge amount of paper gets wasted with an organised event. However, it’s possible to considerably reduce the amount of paper used. No more printed invites now that everyone has access to the internet. Folders, booklets, business cards, and flyers can also be ditched and replaced with an event mobile app.
Ditch the Swag Bag for Something Digital
Swap out those cheap goodie bags that contain pens, keychains, pamphlets, and countless other stuff. Hand out e-tickets, downloadable freebies, and discount codes instead.

Try out these eco-sustainable event planning tips, and you’ll make quite an impact.