Hosting a sustainable event for hundreds of guests might sound like a tall order, but it’s a challenge we embraced at our recent Boogie at the Bog event, where we welcomed 350 attendees. We’re passionate about leading with sustainability, so we focused on reducing waste at every step of the event. Here’s how we made it happen—and hopefully, these ideas inspire your own gatherings this holiday season!
1. Reusable Products for Dining
Instead of disposable dinnerware, we used real plates, silverware, and glassware. All items were washed on-site, and guests were encouraged to reuse their dishes, cups, and utensils. This reduced the number of items we had to wash and saved resources in the process. It also added a communal vibe, as everyone played a part in making the event eco-friendly.
2. Composting and Use of Compostable Materials
All food scraps and compostable materials were directed to compost, helping us reduce organic waste. We kept paper products to a minimum and made sure that anything we did use was fully compostable. This step kept our waste to a minimum and helped transform organic materials back into nutrients for the soil—closing the loop and supporting sustainability.
3. No Trash Cans: Controlled Waste Collection
Instead of placing trash cans around the venue, we opted to have no traditional waste stations. This might sound unusual, but it gave us more control over how waste was managed. Our team members made rounds to collect items and sort them, for either composting or recycling. This approach allowed us to carefully manage disposal and minimize what went to a landfill.
4. Donating Leftover Food
Food waste is a major contributor to landfills, and we wanted to avoid that at all costs, so it just made sense for us to contribute anything untouched to a local shelter. Any leftover food was donated to Sister Rose’s House in New Bedford, MA, where it could help feed guests at their homeless shelter. This not only prevented food from going to waste but also supported a local organization doing critical work for our community.
5. Supporting Local Vendors and Reducing Food Miles
To further reduce our carbon footprint, we partnered with vendors who are committed to sourcing food locally. Working with local vendors helped us keep transportation distances short, ensuring that the food on our tables was fresh and had minimal environmental impact. It also gave us a chance to support nearby farmers and producers and invest in our local economy.
Bonus: Eco-Friendly Gifts
We also put extra thought into our gifts. For donors who contributed $100 or more at our Fund-A-Need fundraiser for Frogfoot Farm, we gave out hats made from recycled and organic materials. This small touch allowed us to show appreciation in a way that aligned with our sustainable values.
As the holiday season approaches, we hope these ideas help inspire ways to reduce waste at your own events. Whether you’re hosting a small family gathering or a larger holiday celebration, a few thoughtful choices can make a big difference in keeping waste out of landfills and supporting our local economy!
Related Posts
This post is really motivating! Such advice always inspires new ideas and helps to move forward. If you need help with academic assignments or to improve your writing skills, EssayHub is a great support. Also, at https://essayhub.com/blog/table-of-contents-for-research-paper you can find table of contents in research. The platform’s professional writers will prepare high-quality, original works for you that will meet all the requirements and help you achieve high results in your studies!