Tuesday, February 15, 2011

Environmental Sustainability in Event Planning

As an organizational communications major there are many different career that you can go into. Organizational communications deals with the communication among corporations and companies. My perspective career field is concentrated toward event planning. I am interested in every aspect of the event planning process from the fine details of a table layout to the overall feel of an event. With planning experience and research of events I can see the outcome of what takes place after an event is over. In reality, it totals a lot of waste of paper, food and decorations.

Many companies have noticed this and taking great strides to fix the problem. Some event companies have even changed in their ways to creating events that are 100% eco-friendly for the environment and are proud to offer that service to their clients. A process known by almost any human being to help save the environment is reducing paper use. Most events have invitations, itineraries and other pieces of information printed on some sort of paper with important information needed for guests. This paper produces a lot of trash if not recycled. An alternative to using paper is web-based forms of information. Sending creative invites online is a quick and easy way to get a client’s information out and a much cheaper option. By posting an events itinerary online a planner not only saves money and trees, but also gives the guest the option to individually print the info if needed. With circumstances that absolutely call for printed material there are other options to staying environmentally sustainable. Using vegetable based inks to print on recycled paper makes the task more eco-friendly. Even though paper is a huge form of waste, many companies have found more sustainable ways of spreading their messages.

For any event, guests have to travel to a location or venue where the event is held. This means that the more guests attending, the more vehicles being used, therefore, there are more fumes polluting the air. Not many people think about transportation effecting the sustainability of an event, but that is all part of it. To cut down on this, an event can be held in a central location minimizing the transportation time. Shuttle services and carpools can also be offered or suggested by the client. The location choice can mean a lot for the client, but also a lot for the environment. If the location is outside lighting is an important feature needed to create a great experience. Holding the event during the day eliminates a need for artificial lighting and also reduces energy use and costs.

Food is a basic element for social, corporate and personal events. Who doesn’t like free food at events? By purchasing produce locally and seasonally, once again, costs and transportation can be condensed. This also helps the locally farmers and their business along with getting healthy and tasteful foods. A planner needs to get an accurate number of guest so they do not pay for extra food that is not needed. In the case that there are leftovers, these meals can be donated to local food shelters. Knowing that an extra food from and event was donated to someone that needs it can mean a lot for clients. They state,

“in fact, it's one of our favorite things to do on our clients' behalf. Our thinking is what makes each event an explora-party experience. How can we nurture what is most unique about the client / mission / vision and reflect it back in a sustainable and responsible way? This is truly our hardest work and our greatest talent.”


More draft to come....

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