Planning a sustainable outdoor event goes beyond having fun in the fresh air; it’s about creating memorable experiences that respect and protect the environment. Whether you're organising a corporate team-building day, a community gathering, or a large festival, making your event eco-friendly is more important than it ever was. From choosing the right venue to managing the events waste responsibly and everything in between, these strategies will help you minimise the environmental impact your event has on the surrounding areas whilst maximising enjoyment. Let’s dive into how you can make your next outdoor event not only successful but also kind to the planet.
A sustainable outdoor event is all about making a positive impact sustainably that extends beyond the day itself. Showcasing your commitment to sustainable events sets a precedent for future gatherings and shows attendees you care about the environment. Here’s why embracing sustainability for your next outdoor event is so important:
Environmental Responsibility: Sustainable events help reduce the carbon footprint, conserve natural resources, and protect local ecosystems. Minimising the amount of event waste by choosing eco-friendly options, you'll be contributing to a healthier planet.
Positive Brand Image: Hosting a sustainable event looks good for your organisation’s reputation. It shows attendees, partners, and sponsors that you value sustainability and the environment. This commitment can in fact attract more attendees and broader audience who are drawn to eco-conscious brands and practices.
Cost Savings: Event sustainability often translates to cost efficiency. Reducing waste, conserving energy, and opting for local event suppliers can lower the overall event cost. For example, digital invitations such as maps save on printing expenses, and using local resources reduces transportation costs.
Healthier Attendees: Sustainable outdoor events often feature organic, locally sourced food, which can be healthier for attendees. An eco-friendly environment also has the ability to boosts attendee well-being and enjoyment.
Educational Opportunities: These events provide a platform to educate attendees about sustainability practices. Highlighting aspects like event waste management and the benefits of using sustainable event suppliers can inspire guests to adopt green habits of their own.
Futureproofing: As environmental regulations become stricter and consumer expectations shift, planning sustainable events positions your organisation ahead of the curve. It will make sure your practices align with global trends in event sustainability and management.
Community Engagement: Sustainable events often involve and benefit local communities. By sourcing products and services from local people you're supporting the local economy.
A green clean-up plan is essential for ensuring your outdoor event leaves a minimal environmental footprint. Here’s how to effectively manage event waste and maintain sustainability throughout the clean-up process:
Plan Ahead: Start your green clean-up strategy during the planning phase of your event. Identify potential waste sources and think about how to minimise them. Consider the types of materials you'll be using and opt for eco-friendly, recyclable, or reusable options whenever possible.
Set Up Recycling Stations: Place clearly labelled recycling stations around your event venue to make it easy for attendees to sort their waste. Include separate bins for recyclables, compostables, and landfill waste. Make sure these stations are conveniently located and highly visible.
Use Eco-Friendly Products: Choose biodegradable or compostable products for food service and event supplies, such as plates, utensils, cups, and napkins. Avoid single-use plastics and opt for materials like bamboo, paper, or other sustainable alternatives.
Educate Attendees: Inform your guests about your green cleanup plan and how they can participate. Use signs, announcements, and other digital communications such as an email before the event or on the event app if available, to guide them on proper waste disposal and recycling practices. The more informed your attendees are, the more successful your cleanup efforts will be.
Partner with Green Vendors: Work with event suppliers who share your commitment to sustainability. Choose vendors that provide eco-friendly products and services, and who have their own green practices in place.
Hire a Green Clean-up Crew: If possible, hire a team that specialises in green clean-up methods. They will sort the waste sorting out recycling, and composting on-site, ensuring that waste is disposed of properly and efficiently.
Compost Organic Waste: Set up a composting system for food scraps and other organic waste. Work with local composting facilities or set up your own compost bins if feasible.
Evaluate and Improve: After the event, assess the effectiveness of your green cleanup plan. Gather feedback from your cleanup crew, vendors, and attendees. Look at what worked well and what could be improved.
Using technology to plan and manage outdoor events can help the event to be more environmentally friendly as well as simplify event processes such as attendee check in. Think about starting with digital invites and online ticketing. Using technology instead of paper naturally reduces paper waste whilst also streamlining the whole event entry process for a smoother and quicker experience for everyone involved. An event app can replace those printed schedules and maps, keeping everyone informed with real-time updates right on their phones.
On the sustainability front, opting for LED lighting and solar power can make a big difference in how much energy your event uses. Your event should also promote things like carpooling or using public transport can significantly decrease the total emissions associated with your event. Integrating tech solutions, in a nutshell, helps the planet—it also creates a more modern experience for attendees.
Get ready for the Sustainable Soap Box Speedway, a crazy eco-conscious team building activity! In this challenge, teams get hands-on to build their own vehicle from scratch using only basic materials and tools provided in their construction kits. All vehicles made are pedal-powered, this is where we put the emphasis different energy over fossil fuels. This event enhances people through team building, strengthening bonds as attendees design, build, and race their creations. Teams must pass a rigorous MOT test with their soapboxes before facing off in a thrilling race to see who can pedal their way to victory. This activity inspires teams to work together, think green, and learn about sustainable energy practices in a fun, competitive environment.
Get your team out in the fresh air with our "Bee Involved" workshop! This activity is about rolling up your sleeves and getting to work building insect hotels that’ll help out the local insects, bees and butterflies. Attendees will get a crash course on why these little pollinators are so important while you work together in teams to build their new homes. This activity is a creative way to learn something new whilst you tackle some challenges together.
Dive into "Reach for the Sky," where teams challenge their ingenuity by building and launching rockets, but with a sustainable twist—all using only recycled materials supplied by our event coordinators. In this activity each rocket must glide along a horizontal plane, testing your ability to problem-solve in a team, as well as your knowledge in understanding of basic aerodynamics. Teams will need strong communication and collaboration to design a rocket that both flies and then travels the farthest horizontally, turning what used to be a pile of rubbish into technological treasure.
