We live, play and work in one of the most plentiful places in the world. And because of this good fortune, we find ample reasons to bring people together. Whether it’s for celebration, entertainment, education, recreation or to raise money, we’re actively planning, organizing or attending events year-round. And along with the fun and frolic, we generate a tremendous amount of waste; from garbage to energy use, these events leave a heavy footprint in their wake. But with just a little effort and a few changes in the way we plan these events, we can make a real difference. We can lighten up our tracks.
We’re hearing a lot these days about the “green mindset,” but are we practicing “green” in our daily lives?
Green event planning
Green event planning means integrating environmental and sustainable decisions throughout each phase of the planning process. When making decisions, consider how to conserve energy and natural resources, reduce waste, reuse, recycle and use earth-friendly products whenever possible. By planning events with this green mindset, you’ll have an astonishing impact.
Some simple steps to start greening your events include using 100 percent post-consumer paper for invitations or promotional material and using soy-based inks. It’s easy and doable, and it makes a big difference. When food is involved, buy local, organic and seasonal foods (or ask your caterer to do so). This also supports local farmers and reduces the energy expended transporting goods. Be conscious of the amount you buy; order only what you need. If you can’t use china, use biodegradable greenware.
Technology can be a great way to green your events. Emailing invitations, website registration and availability of promotional information can alleviate paper usage altogether. If nothing else, use biodegradable garbage bags and make sure to have recycling containers visible. These types of straightforward and easy choices, made early in the planning stages, will create greener results.
Event planner Richard Pedemonte has been greening his events since 2004. His business, Pedemonte and Company Event Management Services located in Fairfax, produces large outdoor events. “I was hired to produce the KFOG Kaboom on Piers 30 and 32 in San Francisco,” he says. “My client requested all food containers be biodegradable—meaning no plastic, Styrofoam or foil. Everything had to be biodegradable. I worked closely with the city’s Department of Environment to make sure everything was composted correctly.” Each year, Pedemonte adds new green elements. “This year, we were totally carbon-neutral. None of our waste goes into a landfill, it will all be reused,” he proudly states.
“The most difficult hurdle is gathering the army of volunteers needed to direct the guests on the correct way to dispose of materials. It’s an educational process,” he adds. “But the response is always a good one.” The best part, Pedemonte says, is, “After everybody leaves, the pier is covered with a huge amount of material, but it’s all degradable. If it were to blow into the bay, it would break down in a few months, whereas plastic—well, who knows how long it takes to break down?”
Pedemonte’s other events, Hardly Strictly Bluegrass (where 250,000 people converge in Golden Gate Park for three days of music), the two-day Pacifica Fog Fest and the Fairfax Festival, are either green or going green this year.
“Go slow,” he advises first-time green planners. “Take the process in steps. Start with buying the biodegradable supplies, then figure out how to process the waste and get it to the right facility.” Although Pedemonte’s events are large in scale, his practices can be used for smaller events as well. Size doesn’t matter when it comes to being green. Any diversion from the landfill—and any energy saved—is a good thing.
Getting started
Plenty of green resources are available in the North Bay, so begin making green decisions from the launch of your event. Investigate this emerging market and discover what part you can play. If you want to stand out as a green planner or supplier—or to boast about your green event—take the following suggestions:
Create standards. Establish environmental standards in writing and get a buy-in from clients, sponsors, management and clientele. Share them with everyone involved in the planning process. Know where you’ll draw the line with minimal guidelines.
Get and stay educated. Keep informed with what’s new. What hotels, venues or suppliers are using green practices or have been certified green? If you’re a green business, market yourself as one. Buy books, read magazines, listen to experts and ask for guidance.
Choose wisely. Make every choice depend on environmental impact. Think about the consequence before you finalize any decision. Ask yourself, “What’s the legacy of this decision?” Give priority to businesses that are developing, implementing or innovating environmental and sustainable practices.
Build green partnerships. Ask your business associates to green their practices or find someone who does. Make sure everyone involved with your event is on the same page (train them, if necessary). If their practices are substandard, help them do better. Set examples that create permanent change.
Share your success. Tell everyone involved—your participants, sponsors, donors, members and the media—about your successes. You’ll be surprised: green efforts are contagious.
Every event brings distinct challenges and distinct solutions. Be creative, encourage involvement and follow your standards. If you start today, it’ll soon become second nature to make green choices.
