10 Ways to Make Your Next Event Greener

10 Ways to Make Your Next Event Greener

“Greenify” your next event and you’ll not only help the environment, but you’ll enhance your organization’s image and maybe even cut expenses. That’s according to Kim Hamlin, senior event coordinator and resident eco expert at the McNamara Alumni Center at the University of Minnesota.

“Many of our clients host multiple events annually, and so their environmental efforts really make a positive impact,” says Hamlin. “And why not take advantage of eco-friendly steps when they are so easy?” Here she offers 10 great tips for going green.

1. Go online. Develop an awesome invitation; then send it via email. In fact, flyers, reminders and registrations can all be handled online. Think of the printing and postage costs you’ll save! If you must print, use soy inks and recycled paper—and note “printed with soy inks on recycled paper” to raise awareness. And consider concentrating your efforts on postcards; then direct your attendees to an event website.
2. Choose a convenient lodging site. That way, attendees can share rides in hotel shuttles or even walk.
3. Chip in for carpoolers. To help offset your meeting’s carbon footprint, offer to pay the parking costs of carpooling guests; be sure to post a ride-share page on your event website. Better yet, determine the meeting’s entire carbon use; then make a donation to an environmental nonprofit to offset that total.
4. Reuse plastic nametags and lanyards. Your venue may even provide these items for free or offer a discount for using these items from a previous event.

5. Wield technology. Instead of offering handouts, provide vital information via PowerPoint presentations. At the close of the conference, hand out a jump drive with all pertinent conference information to each attendee, make the information available via email, or post information on your event website. And don’t use flip charts: Ask your meeting venue to supply white boards.
6. Grow green. Rather than select throwaway floral centerpieces, purchase potted plants and send them home for planting with lucky attendees.
7. Ban paper and foam cups. Instead, use reusable glassware, flatware and linens, supplied by your meeting venue. And serve fair-trade coffee!
8. Recycle. Provide clearly marked recycling bins next to your trash cans for cans, glass and paper.
9. Compost all food waste. And if you have excess food, work with your venue to donate leftovers to a local charity.
10. Giveaway green. If you plan to award a trophy or offer giveaways, select items that are made locally (to reduce energy costs), feature minimal packaging, and are made from nontoxic materials. Free-trade items are another good option.

Provided by the The McNamara Alumni Center, a unique Minneapolis meeting-and-event venue, located at 200 Oak St. SE, on the East Bank of the University of Minnesota campus, just 5 minutes from downtown Minneapolis and 10 minutes from downtown St. Paul. Visit our profile, to learn more about our green facility.