According to Wise Mail, increasing awareness of the impact events have on the environment has caused event planners to incorporate "green" into their planning process. Adding eco-friendly purchasing and zero-waste options often are a way for event goers to first experience how small changes in behavior can greatly decrease their environmental impact.

Waste Reduction:

• Remember the easiest way to deal with waste is to not generate it.
• Choose reuse when possible, including white boards, technology, name tags, and eatware.
• Print all necessary promotional materials on paper containing post-consumer recycled content.
• Avoid printing brochures or flyers, instead opting for email or reduced size of printed materials.
• Require participating vendors/services eliminate all unnecessary waste to participate in the event.
• Implement a purchasing plan to include the "reduce, reuse, recycle" motto when selecting all products and services.

Catering:

• Choose a caterer who is committed to eco-friendly practices.
• Ask food/beverages to be served in reusable dishes. If this is not possible, look at other options such as compostable eatware (if composting food waste).
• Support local – catering services, foods, and other options to eliminate fuel use from transportation and to support local business.
• Recycle food waste through food-to-people, food-to-livestock, or composting.

Recycling:

• Provide recycling stations (including all bin options for recycling along with one for trash) at various locations at the event.
• Clearly label and color-code bins.
• After reducing, recycle as much waste as possible.
• Work with a hauling service who will partner with you in achieving your goals.

Green Event Resources:
US EPA Office of Solid Waste and Emergency Response "It’s Easy Being Green"
Duke University "Green Planning Guide"

Source: Minnesota Waste Wise