The Anti-Trash Bash: A Zero-Waste Case Study
Organizing a zero-waste event is no small feat, but with teamwork, strategic planning, and a commitment to sustainability, it is entirely achievable. I recently had the privilege of executing a zero-waste event for Lifecycle Building Center in Atlanta, GA, and I wanted to share how we achieved avoiding waste and saving resources.
Laying the Foundation
Lifecycle Building Center is deeply rooted in environmental advocacy, so making a zero-waste event was a natural extension of its mission. The goal was simple: divert waste from the landfill and stay within or under budget. The success of any event starts with planning. We started about 4 months prior; focusing on four key areas: vendor selection, waste management, materials, and attendee and team engagement.
1. Collaborating with the Event Venue
It was imperative to have the event venue be on board with making this a zero-waste event. While the facility we selected did not have any waste diversion management practices in use, they were on board for this to be a zero-waste event. Little did we know, by having a zero-waste event, even at a venue where waste diversion was not a priority, we would see a cost savings. The venue charges an additional fee for the city to make an additional dumpster pick up. Therefore, we saved $200 by composting and recycling verse sending waste to the landfill.
2. Waste Management Strategy
To manage waste effectively, we focused on messaging, signage, teamwork, and using reusable and compostable items.
For compost: we placed three compost bins that we rented from a local compost company, around the venue. One near the tables, one near the food table, and one near the bar. The lids had signs on them with what can be composted along with images of each item.
For recycling: We had the only recycling bin located near the bar for any cans or glass. As the event planner, I volunteered to take the recycling home to recycle.
For trash: All the trash cans were pulled away and had blue tape over them to deter guests from trying to use them.
For reuse: Glass jars used for drinks, nametags holders, and decor were collected at the end of the event to be reused. The glass jars and decor were an upfront expense yet will pay themselves off over the course of a few years. This is where it is good to align expectations around the organization’s mission, event goals, and event budget because you might have to make an initial investment in reusable items.
3. Sustainable Materials
All event materials were selected with sustainability in mind. Majority of the signage would be able to be recycled after the event. The decorations were reusable, either by the event venue or by Lifecycle Building Center. The vinyl sponsor banner will be used by LBC throughout the year at other events and will be shown at the reuse center. Unfortunately, this is one item that may not be able to be recycled at the end of its life and would be a good goal for next year to think of an alternative.
4. Engaging Attendees and Staff
Education and messaging were cornerstones for making our waste goals successful.
For attendees: As attendees arrived, our team outlined the event’s zero-waste goals and provided friendly reminders throughout the event.
For staff: The zero-waste goals were discussed with the team in planning meetings and the pre-event huddle to review the goals and walk the space to ensure everyone was clear and would be able to assist throughout the event.
No event is without its challenges.
One issue we encountered was ensuring vendors adhered to the zero-waste guidelines. In addition to setting clear expectations upfront and conducting a pre-event walkthrough with all vendors and their staff. For example, we had to remind the bartenders not to use straws.
Another challenge was managing the recycle bin. We lacked signage and therefore some guests threw their plates in the recycle bin, so it took a bit of sorting to ensure there was no contamination.
Key Takeaways
Start Early: Planning well in advance allows you to secure aligned vendors and sustainable materials.
Education and Engage: Clear communication ensure attendees, staff, and venue staff understand and support the zero-waste initiative.
Collaborate: Partner with like-minded organizations to amplify your efforts.
Executing a zero-waste event is an incredible opportunity to demonstrate environmental leadership while fostering a sense of community. With the right mindset and a solid strategy, anyone can organize an event that leaves a positive impact on the community, local economy, and environment.
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Thanks for reading! We’d love to hear from you and if you have questions about how to plan a budget-friendly zero-waste event, schedule a 30-minute call with us.
