Photo Credit Sundance & Co
Earth Day is right around the corner – a day when people across the globe take action and spark conversations about the protection of our planet. It’s a call to advocate for a sustainable and eco-friendly way of life. We’ve seen more electric cars on the road, more stores encouraging the use of reusable bags, and neighbors recycling as much as possible, but what about eco-friendly events? As an event planner, why not work on making every event more environmentally conscious and leave a positive impact on the planet? Let’s talk about the earth-friendly event trends for 2023!
1. Cut Back on Printed Items and Go Digital
In 2023, we’ve gone beyond the paperless event world, and digital has become the new event norm. Digital invitations and tickets, QR codes, and event apps have reduced the need for paper invitations and physical tickets. These digital options are more eco-friendlier and more efficient because they cut down on printing costs, and don’t require shipping, plus guests can RSVP quickly from their phones or computers. It keeps the attendees organized, informed, and engaged, making going digital a win-win situation. Still love the idea of paper invitations and party decor? That’s fine too! You can opt for recycled paper products – there are so many to choose from!
2. Choose Sustainable Decorations & Reusable Décor
To add to the ambiance of the event, you can choose to use eco-friendly décor. For example, opt for local, seasonal, and organic flowers, plants, and produce. Or, instead of fresh cut flowers, use faux florals – they have come a long way since the silk flowers of the ’80s and they look more realistic than ever. As a bonus: guests or brides can keep them as decorations for their home to remember their special day! You can use repurposed mason jars, candlesticks, and votive candles from a secondhand store for an eclectic vibe that will look effortlessly stylish and be both budget and earth conscious.
3. Support Local & Sustainably Sourced Food
Get creative with your event’s menu and serve vegetarian or vegan food options. Doing this will help reduce both the waste and the carbon footprint, ultimately impacting the event’s overall sustainability. Furthermore, sourcing your ingredients sustainably and locally will benefit the local economy and contribute to supporting local farms.
4. Environmentally Friendly Favors Will Leave a Lasting Impression (Without the Waste!)
Favors are always a hit with guests, so why not give them something that is eco-friendly and functional? You could consider giving out a recycled paper container or glass jar with edible party favors inside. This way, guests can carry their goodies home while reducing their environmental footprint and enjoy it at home later. Favors can highlight the theme of the event and give a lasting impression on attendees, making them think of the event every time they use it (or enjoy eating the delicious treat!) in the future.
5. Tidy Up! Keep Both the Venue and the Earth Clean!
Finally, it’s not only essential to keep the event eco-friendly, but it’s also crucial to leave the venue as you found it. Ensure you leave the space clean and tidy, free from trash and excess waste. Consider using recycle bins and talk to the caterer about composting food waste.
These trends are just a start; consider them a basis for eco-friendly event planning. With time, one can come up with more creative and unique ways to design an environmentally sustainable event. Let’s plan events that not only make guests happy, but also leave the earth a little happier. Let’s make everyday Earth Day!
Fun Fact about the images used for this blog post — they are from our very own Director of Marketing, Alyson Dello’s wedding in 2022!
Photo Credit Sundance & Co