When planning an event for 2022, be it virtual, safely in-person, or hybrid, there are many factors to keep in mind. If you’re in-person, you have to sort out the venue and ensure that safety protocols are available in the space. With a virtual or hybrid event, you have to  consider what technology is not only available, but what is best. This includes lighting, audio, cameras, etc. With all this in mind, it’s likely that you don’t have much time to figure out what to do with the great amount of trash and waste or what light bulbs your event is using.

If you find yourself in this position, we’d like to share a few of our favorite tips for reducing the environmental impact of your future events. Whether you’re planning a wedding, conference, or music festival, a few simple changes can go a long way in making your important day a successful event that’s kind to our Mother Earth.

• Make A Plan

If you don’t plan it, it’s not going to happen. These are the words we live by, regardless of what 202 might have thrown at you. If ensuring that your event is sustainable and green is important to you, you have to plan for it. Unfortunately, it is too difficult to scramble for sustainability at the last minute. Be intentional throughout the planning process to incorporate eco-friendly strategies. Whether in-person, online, or both, make sure to engage your vendors, caterers, and designers with your efforts in order to maximize your success. No matter the size or type of your event, intentionality is always an essential.

• Reduce 

We know that paper, plastic, and gasoline hurt our planet and make a negative impact. By reducing your event’s consumption of these resources, you can help to make a serious impact on our planet. You might even save a significant amount of costs which we call a win-win. Go with paperless invitations and save money on postage by swapping for evites. Local and seasonal food is always more environmentally friendly, and tastes absolutely delicious. While you’re at it, ditch the plastic straws in favor of a more sustainable alternative. Biodegradable paper, bamboo, and metal are all more eco-friendly options. 

For virtual or in-person events, seek out spaces with solar panels to power your event with sunshine. Providing event apps or websites are more eco-positive than handing out event binders full of paper. Most people are used to doing their work on their computers or tablets anyway!

• Reuse 

Events consume a lot of resources, many of which end up in the trash the next day. A few small changes could make a big difference in how much of your big day ends up in a landfill and could also play an important role in making in-person or hybrid events feel safe for everyone in attendance. 

Encourage your guests to bring their own reusable bottle and straws. Reuse glass vases for floral centerpieces and decorations. (Don’t worry, no one will notice that they were used at a previous event!) Make sure to use real flowers, fake flowers and floral foam can take hundreds of years to break down in a landfill! After sanitizing effectively, re-use decorations from a previous event, or ask your event management company what they have in stock. Get creative and see how you can repurpose those decorations and change them into something new! Send your guests home with sustainable initiatives such as reusable tote bags branded with your logo.

• Recycle 

We’ve all been taught at some point or other the importance of recycling, but it remains to be one of the biggest challenges. There are real temptations to toss waste into the nearest and most convenient bin, but there are ways you can make sure that your event guests get it right every time. Make sure your trash can, recycling bin, and compost are all physically attached to one another or at least set side by side. If your guests have to go searching for the right bin, they won’t. They’ll just discard their waste in the nearest bin. Make sure your bins are clearly delineated and easy to read. Some bins even have clear pictures of what can go inside, making it easy for your guests to toss their waste without having to double guess. 

The events industry as a whole, is ready to address the climate crisis head-on. When we join forces, we have the capability to make major changes. It all starts with intention. Implementing any one of these tips is a great start. Contact the experts at Wizard Studios today and let’s work together to make 2022’s  events even more sustainable and unforgettable!