A Guide to Sustainable Event Planning

As sustainability becomes a central focus in everyday life, the way we plan events is evolving to reflect these values. Traditional approaches to event planning, with their high levels of waste and resource consumption, are increasingly giving way to eco-conscious alternatives.

For party planners and hosts, sustainable event planning offers a practical approach to minimising environmental impact while still delivering memorable experiences. By embracing green practices, event planners can reduce waste, lower carbon footprints, and contribute to a cleaner, healthier environment.

This guide will explore key strategies for reducing the environmental impact of any event. From choosing eco-friendly venues to prioritising sustainable supplies, each step provides an opportunity to host an event that aligns with today’s environmental values, and create events that are as eco-friendly as they are enjoyable.

Set clear sustainability goals for your event

Effective sustainable event planning begins with setting clear, achievable goals that shape every stage of the event process. Establishing specific sustainability objectives ensures that each decision - from venue choice to waste disposal - aligns with your commitment to minimising environmental impact.

Start by defining key priorities, broken down into practical, measurable steps. Here are some suggested sustainability goals that can guide your planning:

• Minimise single-use plastics: use compostable or recyclable alternatives to replace plastic cutlery, plates and cups, which are no longer sold
• Source locally: reduce carbon emissions by sourcing food, decor and materials from local suppliers.
• Prioritise plant-based or seasonal menus: choose menus with plant-based options and local, seasonal produce to reduce the environmental impact of catering.
• Implement waste segregation: provide recycling and compost bins for easy waste separation and responsible disposal.
• Encourage reusable items: ask guests to bring reusable water bottles or provide refillable options to reduce disposable waste.
• Offset carbon emissions: If travel is necessary, consider carbon offsetting to account for emissions produced by transport and venue energy use.

Creating a sustainability checklist based on these goals can help track your progress and ensure that eco-friendly practices are integrated seamlessly throughout the event. This approach makes it easier to assess the overall environmental impact and recognise your success in hosting a greener, more conscious event.

Choose a sustainable venue

Selecting the right venue is a foundational step in sustainable event planning. Venues with eco-friendly features can reduce the environmental footprint of an event by offering energy-efficient operations, sustainable waste management systems, and even renewable energy sources. When choosing a venue, consider spaces that have made a clear commitment to environmental practices, such as green certifications or eco-friendly initiatives.

Opting for outdoor or naturally lit spaces is another effective way to reduce energy use. Outdoor venues, when weather permits, eliminate the need for extensive lighting and climate control, while naturally lit spaces make use of daylight, lowering electricity consumption. Many venues now incorporate green building practices, such as efficient water systems and sustainable landscaping, which further contribute to reducing resource consumption.

Here are some key considerations when choosing a sustainable venue:

• Look for venues with green certifications: many eco-conscious venues hold certifications for their sustainable practices, such as LEED or BREEAM accreditation.
• Ask about waste management programmes: some venues offer composting and recycling options as part of their service, making it easier to handle waste responsibly.
• Check energy efficiency measures: venues with energy-efficient lighting, heating, and cooling systems, or those that use renewable energy, can help lower your event’s carbon footprint.
• Select locations with convenient public transport access: aA venue close to public transport options can help reduce emissions from travel by encouraging attendees to use sustainable transport.

Choosing a sustainable venue not only aligns with eco-friendly goals, but also signals to attendees that your event prioritises responsible practices from start to finish.

Utilise all-digital communications

Moving event communications online is an effective way to minimise paper waste while creating a seamless, accessible experience for attendees. Digital alternatives to paper invitations, signage and programmes reduce both environmental impact and logistical hassle, offering a sustainable approach that keeps everything organised and easy to update.

Consider switching to digital invites and registration systems to manage attendee details and confirmations. Use QR codes for check-ins, schedules and event maps, which are easy for guests to access via their smartphones. These solutions reduce the need for printed materials and can streamline operations, allowing last-minute changes without generating additional waste.

Rely on local sourcing

Choose local suppliers and vendors to reduce the environmental impact of your event. When you source materials, food and decor locally, you not only cut down on transportation emissions, but also support regional businesses that may employ more sustainable practices.

Local sourcing can apply to various aspects of your event, from catering and floral arrangements to gifts and party favours. For example, using seasonal produce from nearby farms not only ensures quality but also reduces the resources required for refrigerated transportation. Work with local artisans for decorations or eco-friendly party favours to add a personalised touch while aligning with sustainability objectives.

By relying on local sources, you can reduce the environmental impact of your event while supporting businesses that are part of your community, making your event more sustainable and meaningful.

Prioritise sustainable supplies

Choosing eco-friendly supplies is a central component of sustainable event planning, allowing you to reduce waste while maintaining a high-quality experience for guests. From compostable plates and cutlery to recyclable decor, opting for sustainable supplies ensures that your event’s impact on the environment is kept to a minimum.

For items like partyware, biodegradable or compostable options are ideal, as they naturally break down and reduce landfill contributions. Green partyware - compostable plates, recyclable cups and eco-friendly utensils - offers practical, responsible choices that align with today’s sustainability standards. These options ensure that even one-off items used at events can be disposed of with minimal environmental impact.

Here are some practical ways to prioritise sustainable supplies:

• Opt for reusable or recyclable decor: reusable decor, such as fabric banners, wooden signs and LED lighting, can be repurposed for future events, while recyclable decor materials like paper and cardboard can be responsibly disposed of after the event.
• Avoid plastic and non-recyclable materials: whenever possible, replace plastic items with materials like bamboo, paper, or biodegradable alternatives to lessen the environmental impact.
• Offer eco-friendly party favours: instead of single-use or non-recyclable gifts, consider eco-friendly options such as plantable seed packets, reusable water bottles, or items made from recycled materials.

Prioritising sustainable supplies reflects a conscious approach to event planning that values both quality and environmental responsibility. By carefully selecting eco-friendly supplies, you set the tone for a greener event and reduce waste without compromising on the event experience.

Delivering eco-friendly catering

Catering is a major area where sustainable choices can significantly reduce an event’s environmental footprint. Opting for eco-friendly catering practices not only supports environmental goals, but can also provide guests with food options that enhance their event experience.

Practical tips for eco-friendly catering include:

• Focus on plant-based and seasonal menus: plant-based foods typically require fewer resources to produce, while seasonal items are easier to source locally, reducing transportation emissions.
• Serve locally sourced beverages: offer drinks from local breweries, wineries or juicers, reducing transportation impact and adding a unique, regional flavour to the event.
• Use compostable serving ware: select compostable or biodegradable plates, cutlery and cups to allow for responsible disposal, particularly for large gatherings.
• Limit single-use items: for smaller events or areas with washing facilities, use reusable glassware and metal cutlery to reduce waste.

By integrating eco-friendly catering practices, you provide a thoughtful, sustainable dining experience for attendees and help reduce the impact of food production, packaging and waste on the environment.

Focus on waste management and recycling

A sustainable event plan isn’t complete without a waste management strategy that includes recycling and composting options. Establishing a clear system for waste disposal allows guests to dispose of items responsibly, ensuring that recyclable and compostable materials are separated from general waste and reducing the volume of waste sent to landfills.

Setting up labelled recycling, compost, and general waste bins throughout the event space is a simple yet effective way to encourage proper disposal. Make signage clear and visible, guiding attendees on where to place specific items. Partnering with a local waste management or composting service can further enhance your event’s waste strategy, ensuring that recyclable and compostable materials are processed correctly.

It is important to avoid products with excessive packaging, and encourage vendors to minimise plastic wraps or single-use packaging. You may also choose to work with local charities or food banks to donate any excess food, reducing waste while supporting the community.

Engage your attendees

Creating a sustainable event also involves engaging attendees in the eco-friendly practices you’ve put in place. By educating and involving guests, you can inspire them to adopt similar sustainable habits in their own lives, amplifying the impact of your event well beyond the day itself.

Encourage attendees to bring their own reusable items, like water bottles or travel mugs, and provide refill stations for convenience. Sharing information about the event’s sustainable initiatives through signage, social media, or announcements can help guests understand the importance of their participation. You can also encourage carpooling, public transport or cycling to the event, reducing emissions associated with travel.

By actively involving attendees in the sustainability efforts, you create a shared experience around eco-friendly practices, reinforcing the positive impact of your event and encouraging guests to adopt these practices in their own lives.

Browse our eco-friendly partyware

Planning a sustainable event may require some additional thought, but the benefits are well worth the effort. With each step taken toward sustainability, you create an event that’s memorable for its impact as well as its purpose.

W.F. Denny is proud to support sustainable event planning with a range of compostable, biodegradable and recyclable partyware options. Explore our eco-friendly partyware collection and take the next step towards hosting an event that celebrates both style and sustainability.