Six Cost-Neutral Ways to Improve Event Sustainability

September 18, 2024

Exclusively sponsored by Honeycomb Strategies

Organizing a sustainable event doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag. Here are six practical, no-cost strategies to enhance sustainability at your next event. 

1. Eliminate Floor Coverings 

Floor coverings like carpet and vinyl flooring, often used to enhance aesthetics or protect permanent flooring, can be significant contributors to waste. Even reusable carpet is often only installed three times before it is disposed of. Eliminating some or all temporary flooring is a simple step toward reducing the event’s environmental footprint. Prime candidate areas for removal are those with high foot or vehicle traffic, like aisles in an expo hall, displays for cars or heavy equipment, or food and beverage areas. By skipping the floor coverings, you not only reduce waste but also save on the cost and labor of installation and removal. Plus, it gives the event a cleaner, more natural look, aligning with eco-friendly values. 

2. Encourage Attendees to Bring Reusable Water Bottles and Coffee Cups 

Another effective strategy for improving sustainability while lowering your cost liability is to ask attendees to bring their own water bottles and coffee cups. This reduces the need for disposable cups, cutting down on waste and the costs of providing these items. Not only does this promote an eco-friendly mindset among attendees, but it also demonstrates the event’s commitment to sustainability, fostering a sense of community responsibility. 

3. Swap Foam for Cardboard in Signage 

Event signage is essential but often ends up as waste, especially when made from non-recyclable foamcore. Switching to cardboard for your signage is an excellent way to maintain visibility while being eco-conscious. Cardboard is not only highly recyclable but also biodegradable, providing options for disposal to reduce the environmental impact. It can be printed on just as easily and offers a professional look that aligns with sustainable practices. This simple switch helps in promoting a greener event without any additional cost. 

4. Reuse Materials from Last Year 

Reusing materials from previous events is a smart, sustainable practice. Items like banners, lanyards, tablecloths, and even décor can often be stored and reused. This not only saves resources but also cuts down on the budget for new purchases. Encourage your team to carefully store and catalogue items that can be reused. Additionally, consider designing timeless and versatile materials that don’t become outdated quickly, ensuring they can be used across multiple events. 

5. Recruit Volunteer Waste Sorters 

Waste management is a crucial aspect of event sustainability. Recruiting volunteers to act as waste sorters or monitors can greatly enhance your event’s recycling efforts. In exchange for their service, offer volunteers free access to the event. This initiative not only ensures proper waste segregation but also fosters a community spirit and raises awareness about sustainability practices. Volunteers can guide attendees on how to dispose of their waste correctly, significantly improving the event’s recycling rates. 

6. Implement a Nighttime Power Down Policy 

A nighttime power down policy can significantly reduce energy consumption. While it’s important to reduce non-essential systems at the venue including lighting and heating,  

this can also be introduced as a policy for exhibitors, AV vendors, and event hosts who have any electronics or lighting in their displays, conference rooms, and exhibition spaces that can be turned off or set to energy-saving modes after hours. This practice not only lowers the event’s carbon footprint but also results in considerable cost savings on energy bills, benefiting both the environment and the event budget. 

Finding the Green 

Sustainable event planning doesn’t have to require a large budget. And when a sustainable initiative does cost more than you anticipated, that’s a great time to leverage your sponsors. Finding partners whose values align with yours and who want to support your environmental solutions is a win-win for both event planners and brands with sustainability values (or earmarked ESG funds). And for cost-neutral wins, creative solutions like those we’ve proposed here only contribute to a greener planet and enhance your event’s image, showing attendees and stakeholders that sustainability is a priority. 

Honeycomb Strategies specializes in impactful solutions for sustainable events, sports, and venues. hcsustainability.com / hello@hcsustainability.com 

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Partner Voices
  MGM Resorts is renowned for its exceptional service and diverse venue options across Las Vegas, Detroit, Springfield, National Harbor, Biloxi, and Atlantic City, providing flexible spaces for meetings of any size. Beyond these offerings, MGM Resorts distinguishes itself through a strong commitment to social responsibility and sustainability, making it an ideal choice for your next meeting.  At the core of MGM Resorts' company values is its platform, "Focused on What Matters," dedicated to meeting customer needs while advancing socially responsible practices. This commitment is evident in several key areas:  Protecting Natural Resources  MGM Resorts is home to industry-leading recycling, renewable electricity and water conservation programs. Some highlights include a cogeneration power plant at ARIA, producing ultra-efficient electricity; one of America’s largest contiguous rooftop solar arrays atop the convention center at Mandalay Bay; and onsite wells that provide water for the celebrated Fountains of Bellagio, avoiding reliance on precious Colorado River water. These efforts and many more save on natural resources while boosting attendee satisfaction.  Committed to Community  Always striving to be good neighbors, MGM Resorts works to avoid food waste and combat food insecurity with the Feeding Forward program. In partnership with local food banks, they safely divert unserved food to food insecure members of the community. Since 2016, over 5 million meals have been provided, highlighting MGM Resorts' commitment to minimizing food waste and addressing community needs.  MGM Resorts supports clients in their responsible-meetings efforts, not only with efficient venues but also waste-reducing décor and signage; sustainable food and beverage options; and outreach to help planners communicate sustainability efforts to attendees. What’s more, they offer a Mindful Meetings series that puts attendee wellness first—through fitness and mindfulness activities, and in give-back events with local charity organizations.   Fostering Diversity & Inclusion  To MGM Resorts, a diverse and talented workforce is essential to success. By cultivating innovative strategies that consider multiple perspectives and viewpoints, the company creates an inclusive workplace culture that benefits its employees and community. MGM Resorts takes pride in being a welcoming home for veterans, individuals with disabilities, people from diverse backgrounds, LGBTQ+ community members, and more. This commitment to inclusion is reflected in the company's recruitment and hiring practices and its social responsibility initiatives. From the workplace to the community, MGM Resorts' commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion remains unwavering, and its efforts continue to create a more equitable and sustainable world for all.  MGM Resorts offers unparalleled service and venue options while standing out for its proactive approach to sustainability and community engagement. Choosing MGM Resorts for your next meeting means aligning with a company that values social responsibility, efficiency, and attendee satisfaction, ensuring a meaningful and impactful event experience.