Small Choices, Big Impact: Planning a More Sustainable Event
Small Choices, Big Impact: Planning a More Sustainable Event
Special events in the United States generate a surprising amount of waste, an average of 2.5 pounds per person per day. The good news? Reducing that footprint doesn’t require major sacrifices or huge budgets. With thoughtful planning and a few simple adjustments, we can design events that feel just as memorable while being significantly more environmentally responsible.
To put the issue into perspective, a typical three‑day event with 1,000 attendees produces nearly six tons of waste, about the same weight as four compact cars. And one of the largest contributors is food.
Rethinking Food & Beverage: Where Small Changes Matter Most
Food waste can account for 20% to 60% of an event’s total waste stream, making it one of the easiest and most impactful areas to address.
Reducing food waste starts with conversations, reviewing past event history, discussing dietary preferences, and carefully analyzing guarantees to avoid unnecessary overordering. Sourcing local and seasonal ingredients also significantly lowers carbon emissions. Local foods require less transportation, while seasonal items are often grown using more sustainable farming practices.
Another meaningful consideration is the environmental impact of different proteins. Choosing lower‑impact proteins, like chicken, tofu, or plant‑based alternatives, can drastically reduce emissions associated with your menu.
Partnering with Vendors Who Share the Mission
Sustainability efforts start long before event day. During the pre‑planning phase, ask your vendors:
· Do you have recycling or composting programs?
· Do you offer sustainable menu options?
· Do you partner with food donation organizations?
While not every caterer has a built-in donation program, we partner with COPIA to arrange post-event food pickups. This ensures surplus meals are given directly to communities in need rather than ending up in landfills.
Beyond food, floral and décor donation programs can extend the life of beautiful event elements. This year, Corinthian Events worked with Boston hotel partners to repurpose floral arrangements and deliver them to the Women’s Lunch Place, bringing a little brightness to someone’s day.
Smarter Transportation Choices
Transportation is another powerful opportunity for impact. Whenever feasible, choose venues that are walkable from host hotels. If additional transportation is required, options like (Environmental Protection Agency) EPA-compliant engines or replacing multiple small vehicles with consolidated motorcoaches can significantly reduce emissions.
Thoughtful scheduling, especially around airport transfers, also goes a long way in minimizing an event's carbon footprint.
Minimizing Plastic & Encouraging Reuse
Creating a plastic-free event doesn’t have to be complicated. By partnering with your hotel or venue, you can eliminate single-use plastic bottles in guest rooms and replace them with reusable metal bottles or Fill it Forward reusable bottles or stickers. These tools track how many disposable bottles your event saves—turning sustainability into something people can see and celebrate.
Pair reusable bottles with water stations throughout your event to make refilling convenient and accessible. You can also reduce single-use waste by swapping disposable cutlery and plates for rented China.
Digital Signage & Paper-Free Communication
As we continue moving into a digital age, foam core signage doesn’t have to be the default. LED screens and monitors offer a reusable, visually dynamic alternative that can display:
· Branding
· Schedules
· Maps
· Menu boards
· Directional signage
You can also significantly cut paper use by placing QR codes on tables to provide menus, agendas, and event information.
Sustainability Doesn’t Need to Be Overwhelming
By making intentional choices throughout the planning process, and collaborating with clients, vendors, and venues, we can dramatically reduce waste without compromising the guest experience. At Corinthian Events, we believe that small changes add up, and together, we can design events that leave lasting memories, not a lasting footprint.
