If you’re on the fence about “going green” at your next corporate event, consider this: 77% of Americans today are concerned about the environmental impact of the products they buy. It’s clear: people today want to support brands that care about sustainability, whether it’s by reducing waste or sourcing sustainable products. That’s why planning an eco-friendly event is a win-win: It supports the planet and makes a lasting, positive impact on your attendees.
In this blog, we’ll cover five great reasons to host an eco-friendly corporate event, plus three simple ways to do it brilliantly.
Reasons to Go Green in 2025
1. Enhance Brand Reputation
“Going green” aligns your event planning company with the growing consumer demand for brands that prioritize sustainability. It portrays your brand as forward-thinking and responsible. This can not only attract new event clients but also strengthen the loyalty of your existing ones.
2. Reduce Environmental Impact
Small steps towards sustainability (like partnering with local vendors or switching to bio-degradable utensils) can do wonders to reduce your event’s carbon footprint. The global event industry contributes to over 10% of global CO2 emissions. By adopting eco-friendly practices, you can drastically cut down on these emissions.
3. Cost Savings Over Time
Investing in sustainable practices saves you money in the long run because it minimizes the need to purchase new supplies for every gathering. Plus, it streamlines your event planning process by creating a library of re-useable resources. Over time, these savings add up, as fewer materials are wasted and resources repurposed.
4. Boost Attendee Pride and Engagement
Eco-friendly practices can foster a shared sense of purpose and pride among attendees, making them feel good about participating in your event and more likely to engage. Pro tip: Donation opportunities for environmental causes can further engage participants and encourage them to adopt greener practices in their own lives.
5. Attract Like-Minded Clients and Partners
Stakeholders are more likely to support businesses that reflect their values.
Hosting an eco-friendly event is a great way to open doors to new partnerships or clients looking to work with eco-friendly companies.
How to Host an Eco-Friendly Event
1. Choose a Green Venue
A green venue is the foundation of any eco-friendly event. Look for places with green certifications, like LEED or ENERGY STAR ratings, which signal a commitment to environmentally friendly practices. At the very least, seek NYC venues with established eco-friendly practices, like recycling, water conservation, or waste management programs.
2. Minimize Event Waste
You can’t host an eco-friendly event without taking steps to minimize event waste. Start by eliminating paper invitations, schedules, and materials; instead, opt for digital tools like apps or emails to share information. But don’t stop there: set up recycling stations to ensure attendees dispose of waste properly. Avoid single-use plastics, like cups, straws, and utensils, and choose sustainable alternatives – think water stations with glass cups, for example. And provide re-useable swag bags filled with recyclable items.
3. Opt for Sustainable Catering
Sustainable catering can be a powerful way to reduce your event’s environmental impact. Choose caterers who prioritize eco-friendly practices, such as offering plant-based menus that have a lower carbon footprint compared to meat-heavy options.
Locally sourced ingredients reduce the carbon emissions associated with long-distance transportation, plus support local farmers. And compostable or re-useable plates, utensils, and cups minimize waste. Pro tip: encourage your caterer to donate leftover food to local charities.
Get Expert Eco-Friendly Event Insights at The Expo
Want to learn more about how to host a truly unforgettable, eco-friendly event from the best of the best? Get your tickets early for The Event Planner Expo 2025 to connect with top event production professionals. It’s where the industry’s best come together to share insights and predictions for event planning success, so it’s right where you belong.
