ZeroWaste is an environmental initiative that is gaining popularity around the world. Its main principle is care for the environment, conscious and responsible consumption.
The main steps of the Zero Waste movement:
Refuse (refuse). If it is possible to refuse something without prejudice to the client and the participants of the event, then it is better to do it.
Reduce (reduce). Disposable notepads and pens, badges, individual event schedules - do you really need all this?
Reuse (reuse). Decorations, dishes, souvenirs that participants take with them.
Recycle (recycle). Anything that can be separated and recycled to leave as little waste as possible.
What should be taken into account when organizing such an event?
1. Think over the rules for all guests and participants of the event.
Warn everyone in advance that separate waste collection will be organized at the event, focus the attention of participants in the food area, on garbage collection bins.
2. Let us know if your dishes are reusable (for example, from a palm leaf). If the format allows, you can provide participants with reusable shoe covers, or ask them to bring a change of shoes with them.
3. Do not forget to brief all contractors and event organization services (catering, cleaning, etc.) regarding the environmental friendliness of the meeting. Competent informing will help the participants to take your idea as responsibly as possible.
4. Provide possible scenarios for the generation of waste.
Think about what kind of garbage will be left after the event. Disposable tableware, cups, handouts, leftover food, decorations. All this can be divided into several large categories and consider a scenario for subsequent disposal.
5. Find and use alternatives to disposable items.
Instead of printed text handout information, use digitalization. Create editable online documents with access for all participants, it is not only practical, but also convenient - you can make the necessary adjustments in a few minutes, and everyone will immediately have up-to-date information at their fingertips.
Guest badges can be printed on cardboard or thick paper, and guests can be asked to turn them in after the event so that badge ribbons can be reused.
Instead of information banners, use monitors with electronic presentations, photo and video zones made of plastic can be replaced with modern graphics and projections on the walls. Classic props can be replaced with creative themed elements that can be reused.
Discard balloons, confetti and other unnecessary and non-recyclable items. Give useful and necessary eco-gifts, or services and experiences, like gift certificates.
Instead of disposable handouts like notebooks and pens, you can give/sell branded souvenirs or ask participants to bring their own.
6. Organize separate waste collection.
Contact the city organizers of separate waste collection, agree on the possibility of providing containers and tanks. Check in advance what kind of garbage they accept and collect only it separately. A volunteer can be placed next to the tanks, who will tell you how to properly sort waste and will advise visitors.
Use clear infographics, hang posters that detail the recycling process and motivate guests to separate collection.
7. Hand over waste for recycling.
After the event, hand over the waste containers to the nearest collection point.
By organizing Zero Waste events, you can not only make it more ethical and environmentally friendly and reduce waste to a minimum, but also save money, as well as communicate your values to all participants and increase your credibility in their eyes.
Comments