Sustainable event organizing; tips for guest and planet!

Sustainability: essential for any event

We all know that sustainability is an integral part of the event industry today. In the last ten to twenty years there has been an enormous awareness. In fact, it is a subject that always comes up as soon as we sit down with a client. Sustainability is a broad concept, and for us, it means consciously dealing with everything you use for an event: from energy and transport to catering and waste management. But above all, organizing a sustainable event is about creating an experience that is not only memorable but also has as little impact on the planet as possible.

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Sustainability starts with the conversation

The first thing we do? Talk! Yes, we put up a tree(s) about it. We always engage with our clients about their vision for sustainability. Where do they stand in this story? How important do they think it is to organize their event in an environmentally friendly way? This varies greatly from company to company; some have a complete sustainability team, while others are thinking about it for the first time. And that’s all fine! We adapt and advise on options that fit their needs.

We are aware that events have a relatively short life cycle, especially when you compare them to the operations and by extension the purchasing of a restaurant or venue, for example. Therefore, we find it even more relevant to look at the possible circular solutions as well as the investments made.

And then there is also the fact that there are more and more laws and regulations regarding ESGs and your obligation to be a good steward of the earth. So the decision is not entirely with the client or us as an event agency. It’s a fait accompli that we need to get going, so then we better take it up together!

Organizing a sustainable event step by step

Whether you think small or big, every little bit helps. Here are some steps we always include in our event plans to work as sustainably as possible:

1. No disposables
   We recommend choosing reusable materials. Why single-use cups and plates when you have beautiful, sustainable options that can be used more often?
2. Rent, rather than buy
   Anything you can rent, you rent. That way things get a second life and don’t end up in a landfill after one day. This is especially true for furniture and technical materials. With décor, you usually – unfortunately – end up with parts that no one can use anymore, so we always make the client aware of this. And hey, sharing is caring, so double points!
3. Eco-lines and digital solutions
   Many of our suppliers offer eco-friendly lines for decoration and signing, and sometimes digital signing is even better! Less material, less waste.

“Sustainability is about choices. Big choices, small choices, and everything in between. In any case, make a conscious choice. That’s step one.”

From food waste to eco-catering: sustainability in the details

Organizing a sustainable event is all about experience, and an important part of that, of course, is the food and drink (Read more about it in our blog on catering). But what if your catering is also good for the environment? At Dutch Standard, we always choose caterers who are conscious about food waste. From smart planning to dishes made from local ingredients and residual streams, there are so many creative ways to minimize food waste.

And the great thing is, your guests will notice! Put it on the menu: where does the food come from, and what happens to the leftovers? As with our corporate festivals, other events are all about the power of unexpected discoveries. Maybe your guests come to the event unaware of the sustainable choices made, but once they discover it – from eco-friendly décor to zero-waste catering – they become inspired. It’s not about coming across as pedantic, but about sharing something beautiful. Sustainability can be fun and playful! For example, did you know that coffee grounds can be reused for compost or even as a raw material for soap? From bean to plate, we keep you informed, simply because it’s fun to share that information. And secretly we touch others to take action too. Win-win right?

Transportation and mobility: sustainable choices for your guests

Mobility is also a big factor in the footprint of your event. That’s why we always recommend locations that are easily accessible by public transportation. If a client does have a different preference, we think of solutions, such as shuttle buses, carpooling or electric shared cars. Also because we see it as our role to minimize CO2 emissions on transport. Together we make it easier for participants to choose ‘green’.

At Dutch Standard, we believe that every event is an opportunity to do something special. An opportunity to not only entertain, but to inspire. By working with conscious partners, making smart choices and always making sustainability part of the conversation, we create events that not only impress attendees, but also the planet.

Organizing a sustainable event? Contact us.