PRLog (Press Release) - Sep 02, 2011 - Many of us recycle our household waste, try to choose free-range food options, and unplug our cellphone chargers when not in use. But we don't always extend this thinking to the big celebrations in our lives. An average wedding, for example, can create a carbon footprint equivalent to 10 flights between Thailand and the UK, and any large gathering of human beings has the potential to result in similar environmental harm.
Your "event footprint" is not only about the quantity of harmful greenhouses gases that are released into the atmosphere, but about any environmental harm caused by your event. Additionally, it entails not only what you as the host do, but what your guests and vendors do as well. How many of your guests will be taking short-haul flights to get to the event?
Do all your vendors use recycled products when possible, and do they recycle their waste? To understand the environmental impact of your event, you need to consider much more than just what is going to occur at the event itself.
Many people believe that green alternatives are always going to expensive, but they don't have to be. In fact, thinking creatively to find eco-friendly alternatives could actually lead to savings. Here are some cheap ways to offset your event's carbon footprint.
StationeryEvents generally use a lot of paper in the form of invitations, save the date announcements, RSVP cards, posters, flyers, programs, place cards, menus and a variety of other items, depending on the nature of the event. However, in this digital age, a lot of that paper is an unnecessary expense. Save the date announcements and invitations can be sent by email, and you can give an email address or phone number for RSVPs, rather than a postal address. For public events, much of your advertising can be done digitally as well. Reduce the number of programs and only hand out one per couple or group.
Be creative in finding alternatives to paper. Instead of giving each guest or table a menu, use a large blackboard or notice board to display a single menu. Instead of place cards you could write or paint your guests' names on pretty pebbles, glasses, flowerpots or other items that can double as keepsakes.
Whenever you decide you can't do without paper, make sure that you only us my photo and wallpaper e recycled paper or paper made from trees grown in well-managed forests. Or even go for treeless paper made hemp or bamboo.
CateringOne easy way to reduce your carbon footprint is to put a bit of extra thought into your catering. While "organic" options may be more expensive than the usual supermarket fare, simply choosing your menu items responsibly can make an environmental difference, and save you money.
Opt for minimal meat in your menu and do a bit of research into seasonal local fruits and vegetables. Only include those items that are readily available and won't put result in extra carbon emission due to transportation or refrigeration. Bottled water is a big environmental faux pas; rather place a jug of filtered tap water on each table, and fill them up regularly.
Cutlery and crockery should preferably not be disposable, as this creates a huge amount of waste. Rather hire non-disposable items or, if you prefer not to have breakables at your event, look for recycled, biodegradable options. Also hire cloth napkins rather than buying paper serviettes.
DécorUse natural fabrics, such as organic cotton and bamboo, for your table arrangements and drapes and avoid plastic decorations that will just be thrown away afterwards. Rather opt for cloth decorations, or get creative with plants or other natural items. Decorations that can be used again, or adapted to make something useful, are ideal. Hiring decorations such as candleholders and tablecloths is cheaper than buying, and better for the environment.
Flowers can add a huge sum to your bill, especially if those flowers are imported from overseas. If you must have cut flowers, choose seasonal varieties grown locally. Potted flowers are a good option as guests can take them home afterwards as reminder of the event (if you want to be extra green, opt for "kitchen garden" plants such as herbs or veggies that can help people become more self sufficient).
VenueSource a venue that is committed to green principles, such as recycling their waste, using solar power, or making the best use of natural light. This won't cost you any more than another venue, and it will give you peace of mind.
Try to keep heating and lighting costs down by scheduling your event for the warmer months, if possible, and having it during daylight ours. Avoid a venue that has few windows, as electric light during the day is an unnecessary burden on the environment.
If possible, try to find a location that is central for the majority of your guests, and near public transport. If a number of your guests will be travelling from the same area, try to arrange a carpool or shuttle service, so oled technology on mobile phone that they don't each have to come in a separate car.
CleanupIf you're not going to clean up after the event yourself, choose a cleaning service that is committed to green solutions. They should separate and recycle all glass, plastic, paper and tin products, and preferably compost any plant waste. This will ensure that the minimum of your event's waste ends in a landfill. Additionally, they should use eco-friendly cleaning products that contain a minimum of harmful chemicals. You could even set up recycling bins at the venue for conscientious guests to make use of during the event.
To learn more, consider the part-time University of Cape Town Events Management short course presented online on 19 September 2011 throughout South Africa. Call Kerry on 021 447 7565 or visit www.GetSmarter.co.za for more information.
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