First Things First: What’s a Zero Waste Event?
A zero waste event is one with a keen eye towards minimizing landfill waste, with the ideal goal being zero landfill waste whatsoever. In our work at Epic Renewal, we help our clients consider all the details of their events to minimize their waste without compromising quality or beauty.
It’s important to note that zero waste is pretty much an unattainable goal. There are many situations where waste is necessary, but there are also many opportunities at the individual level to make choices to purchase, make, use, consume, and discard less. We’ll work with you from start to finish to navigate the right choices for your event!
Ready to host your own?
Check out our go-to tips below to get started.
Make a food waste reduction plan
Plan ahead to reduce extra food. Consider how much food you really need, and communicate directly with your caterer to make a plan that will minimize leftovers. Options like serving a buffer rather than a plated meal increases the amount of recoverable food at the end of your special day!
Make sure your leftovers feed people, not landfills. Consider sending guests home with leftovers to make sure that all food is distributed, or work with food recovery partners to make sure your recoverable food goes to those who need it.
Have a compost plan for scraps. Plate scrapings or prep cuttings don’t usually make good donations or take-homes. Work with a composter to make sure they go towards feeding the soil!
Rethink single use
Single use items are the biggest source of event waste, especially when manufacturing, shipping, and end of life are taken into account. Reusable serveware provides a nicer feel for guests while cutting the environmental impact. Consider swapping your glassware, plates, dispensers, cutlery, and napkins for reusables.
If rentals look too expensive for your event, explore your local secondhand shop to put together a nicely coordinated mixed set of serveware, or rent directly from Epic Renewal for affordable reusables! Depending on the event, you can also invite guests to bring their own plate and cup!
Reduce Cut Florals
Replace some arrangements with potted plants - plenty of nurseries offer rentals, or you can invest in some new plants that you’ll love to have after the event!
Hanging air plants, succulent planters, or vining plants can make beautiful accents, as can dried floral decor that can be reused again and again.
You can also consider silk florals to swap while keeping the traditional florals styling.
celebrate and educate
The best way to support all your effort is to clearly communicate about your goals with your guests and invite them to help. Consider your invitations, reminders, and day-of signage - they're all great opportunities to share your goals.
Be sure to share:
- What a zero waste event is
- Why you're excited to host one
- How your guests can engage with your goals
- What they can expect and be mindful of at your event
- If you'd like guests to skip single use gift wrap
Be sure to share and celebrate your collective impact afterwards!
expect some waste anyway
Give yourself a break - there will always be some items that can't be reused. Little steps are everything! Having a plan for your events’ discards is critical to be sure that waste management happens responsibly.
If you’ll need bins out for guests, make sure signage is clear. Connect with a local composter or farm to handle your food scraps, and think about where and how any landfill or recycling waste might be created, so you can be clear on how you want to handle it. If you work with a compost service, odds are they'll be happy to advise - we always are!
Still feeling a bit overwhelmed?
let's chat.