Big on eco-conscious aspirations but short on actionable event ideas for sustainability? You’re in luck! Skip the Straw Day on 28th February is a cheeky reminder that small swaps can make a huge difference. This is good news, considering single use plastics can pile up alarmingly fast at corporate events, conferences, and large gatherings, despite these little plastic tubes of doom being outlawed in the UK since 2020.
So, what’s the solution? You don’t have to go all tree hugging (unless that’s your vibe). But a few smart event ideas for sustainability can help green your event without sacrificing convenience or style.
Here are seven of the best you’ll want to pay close attention to.
1. Work with Venues Sharing Your Eco Goals
Choosing a venue that’s already on board with plastic reduction saves you so much hassle. For this purpose, look for venues with:
Built-in water refill stations.
Compostable or reusable dining options.
Strong recycling and waste management programmes.
Sustainable energy sources and green practices.
2. Rethink Single Use Plastics (Do you really need them?)
Think about the plastics your event typically relies on. Cups. Cutlery. Name badges. Packaging.
Now ask yourself “Do we actually need these, or are there better event ideas for event sustainability?” Chances are there’s fabulous eco-friendly alternatives.
So, take the following measures to make a giant leap in the right direction:
Swap plastic water bottles for refill stations.
Choose wooden, compostable cutlery.
Use paper-based or bamboo straws instead of plastic ones (if you must have straws at all).
Opt for reusable or biodegradable lanyards and badges.
3. Say No to Plastic Crockery and Cutlery (we never liked them anyway)
Nobody needs a plastic fork that snaps in two before it reaches your mouth. Most venues and catering companies now offer:
Compostable plates, cutlery, and cups made from plant-based materials.
Reusable serving options (ideal for seated dining).
Innovative packaging that biodegrades instead of lingering in landfills for centuries.
4. Go Digital (because paper is soooo 2010)
Everybody’s got a smartphone glued to their hands these days! So, there’s no excuse for stacks of plastic laminated passes or paper tickets that end up in the bin.
Use e-tickets and digital registration instead of printed badges.
Ditch printed programmes. Event apps or QR codes linked to schedules are just as effective.
Switch to digital signage instead of plastic banners (bonus: updates are instant).
5. Educate Your Guests (easy does it, so they don’t feel like schoolkids)
Event ideas for sustainability aren’t just handy for you. Everyone needs to get on board with them. It feels effortless (and even a bit fun) when they do. Think about things like:
Clear, well-placed recycling stations with simple instructions.
Engaging signage with stats on how many tonnes of plastic waste you’re saving.
Friendly staff on hand to guide delegates and guests towards eco-friendly choices.
6. Provide Recycling and Composting Bins (and make them impossible to ignore)
If people can’t spot a recycling bin within two seconds, their waste is going straight into the nearest general bin. So, make it easy!
Place well-labelled recycling stations in high-traffic areas.
Separate bins for compostable materials, cans, and glass.
Use eye-catching signs to encourage correct disposal.
7. Encourage Guests to Bring Their Own Reusables (or provide swanky alternatives)
Want to impress your stakeholders while reducing waste? Go for reusable branded freebies like:
Water bottles
Stylish tote bags instead of plastic goody bags
Metal straws
Leverage these Event Ideas for Sustainability for a Plastic-Free (or at Least less plastic-y) Do
There’s no denying, it takes extra work to co-ordinate an event without the usual plastic overload. But that’s where we – at The Venue Hunters - come in, with simple yet effective event ideas for sustainability and minimising the use of plastics.
We’ll expertly match you with the best sustainable venues, so you don’t have to chase them down yourself. Plus, we’ve got the inside scoop on green-friendly suppliers to help your event make a real impact (without breaking the bank).
So, let’s make your next conference, product launch, or networking soirée a little greener - and a lot easier. Get in touch today for FREE venue finding support, without the plastic and the stress!
Comments