From classes and conferences, to festivals and concerts, it seems like almost everyone is thinking about how to make their events more sustainable and eco-friendly.

We recently enjoyed a conversation with Dave Rochlin from ClimatePath, who shared these great tips for how eventholders can ‘green’ their events:

1: Set a waste goal and arrange for recycling. The more you can keep out of landfills, the better for the planet. With a little planning you can divert 80% or more of your waste. Make sure that you or your site/facility has recycling and compost bins available, and that they are visible and placed in the right locations. Choose recyclable and compostable materials and avoid single serving items when bulk will do. Getting rid of items like bottled water can actually save you money as well as reduce trash.

2: Watch your energy use.  Energy generation creates greenhouse gas emissions that leads to climate change. Decide how much lighting you really need, and turn off equipment between sessions.

3: Think about transportation. How will attendees get to your event? If you can, select a location that is central, convenient, and accessible via public transportation. Aside from providing information on public transportation options, encourage carpooling.  Travel is usually the primary source of emissions for events.

4: Offset your carbon footprint. Despite your best efforts to reduce, lighting, heating/cooling, food prep, etc. all use energy. As a rule of thumb, assume 20 lbs of carbon per attendee per day, or 1 ton of CO2 emissions for a 100-person event. You can offset this carbon footprint by supporting projects at ClimatePath for roughly $11/ton, or 0.10 per attendee. If you want to include driving miles, assume an additional 50 lbs per attendee (2.5 tons of CO2 for a 100 person event.) Visit ClimatePath for more information about calculating your event footprint.

5: Less paper, please.  Events tend to waste a lot of paper, which requires trees, energy, electricity, and water. Print materials and handouts on recycled paper, and use both sides when possible. Encourage emailing or web posting of handouts rather printing them. Try to make banners and posters reusable. Ask vendors and exhibitors to take back whatever collateral isn’t used, rather than throwing it out.

6: Food and other sourcing:   Providing local, organic and vegetarian food options is always appreciated. Less meat means a lower footprint. Ask food vendors what they do to be greener, to minimize packaging, and arrange to donate extra un-served food. For extra credit, ask for fair trade coffee and tea. It’s grown more sustainably and helps farmers.

7: Spread the word.  Let your attendees know about your efforts, and ask for their cooperation. You’ll be surprised by the enthusiasm. You can make a difference, and event goers appreciate the effort!

ClimatePath helps individuals and businesses lighten their impact through sustainability initiatives, conservation, and offsetting. To get a “Carbon Neutral Event” badge for your event, visit: http://www.climatepath.org/wearyourbadge.

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