With the busy holiday season around the corner, here are five top tips for hosting a more purposeful, eco-friendly gathering.
1. Plan with Purpose
Define your gathering’s main purpose. Your purpose might be to meaningfully connect and strengthen community, share gratitude and give back, or pass on traditions to a new generation. Whatever it may be, a clearly articulated purpose can help to guide the design of your event from location, decorations,and food, to activities that reflect your values and desired outcomes.
2. Source Local, Seasonal Plant-based Foods
Sourcing ingredients locally and seasonally can significantly reduce the carbon footprint of your gathering. Visit farmers’ markets or support local suppliers to plan a menu that reflects what’s in season. Not only does this reduce food miles, but it also supports your local economy. Plant-based foods generally have a lower carbon footprint than meat and dairy, and including a variety of vegetarian and vegan options can also cater to dietary preferences and showcase delicious, eco-friendly alternatives.
3. Reuse, Upcycle, and Reduce waste
Rent and reuse when possible, and seek out materials made from waste products. For example, you can avoid single-use decorations that end up in landfills by using natural or reusable items like pinecones, dried oranges, or potted plants to decorate your space. Donate your leftover food with the help of a local food rescue organization.
4. Promote Sustainable Travel Options
Encourage your guests to walk, bike, take transit, offset emissions, and communicate their travel data to you so you can measure your indirect emissions. Since travel contributes heavily to event emissions, encourage local guests to carpool, walk, bike, or use public transportation. For those flying in from farther away, suggest offsetting their carbon footprint by purchasing carbon credits or contributing to a local environmental project.
5. Encourage Gifting Green
If gifts are part of your gathering, consider promoting eco-friendly gift-giving. Encourage guests to give experiences rather than material items—such as gift cards for local businesses—or to bring eco-conscious items like handmade goods, locally crafted products, or gifts that support sustainable causes.
By implementing these practices, you can create a gathering that leaves a lasting positive impact on both your guests and the planet.
Leor has provided a Sustainable Events Checklist to help you stay on track with your event planning. Click the link to download your copy.
