In today’s world, the importance of hosting sustainable events has never been clearer, offering a real opportunity to reimagine holiday gatherings with an eco-conscious perspective. Whether you’re a venue owner, event planner, or an individual organising a festive get-together, we’ve got some game-changing tips to share with you, making the process of hosting sustainable and festive events feel like a breeze.

Climate change is a pressing concern that demands our attention, making the concept of hosting sustainable events in eco-friendly venues more important than ever. The holiday season is typically one of the most extravagant times of year, but it comes at a significant cost to our planet. However, with sustainable practices, we can reduce the environmental footprint of these festivities and make a greener, more sustainable holiday season a reality.

Reducing Waste: The First Steps Toward Sustainable Events

1. Sustainable Decoration: Say goodbye to disposable decorations and embrace a more earth-friendly approach. Consider adorning your venue with natural ornaments like pinecones, twigs, and holly. These biodegradable decorations not only exude charm but are also a perfect fit for green events and sustainable venues.
2. Eco-friendly Dishware: In the world of sustainable events, reusable plates, glasses, and utensils take centre stage, reducing waste. If disposables are a necessity, opt for compostable or recyclable options to reduce their environmental impact.
3. Purposeful Leftovers: Minimising food waste is really important when you’re thinking about sustainable event planning. Plan your meals carefully to avoid overindulgence and consider offering guests take-home containers. Better yet, donate excess food to local charities, spreading the holiday cheer to those in need.

Sustainable Invitations: A Modern Twist on Tradition

1. Go Digital: In an increasingly digital world, why not make invitations eco-friendly too? When it comes to promoting your sustainable event, encourage the use of e-invitations to save paper and minimise waste.
2. Paper with a Green Conscience: For those who appreciate physical invites, choose recycled paper or seed-infused paper that can be planted to grow wildflowers. This not only adds a premium feel to your sustainable event but also has a positive impact on the environment, aligning perfectly with the concept of ‘green events.’

Efficiency in Energy Consumption

1. Dazzle with Sustainable LED Lights: Transform your venue with energy-efficient LED lighting, reducing electricity consumption. These lights create a mesmerising display, perfect for sustainable events.
2. Use Smart Heating and Cooling: Make sure your space is well-insulated to minimise energy consumption or waste – sustainable venues often prioritise this. Implement timers or invest in smart thermostats to maintain the ideal temperature during the festivities.

Eco-friendly Gifts: Presents with a Purpose

1. Sustainable Gift Ideas: Encourage your guests to consider sustainable gifts such as homemade treats, potted plants, or donations to charity, further promoting the concept of green events. These gifts not only feel really thoughtful but also align with the eco-conscious spirit of your sustainable event.
2. Wrap It Right: Opt for gift wrapping materials that are either reusable or crafted from recycled paper, promoting the concept of sustainable events. Each beautifully wrapped present becomes a statement in favour of green events and ties in perfectly with your sustainable venue.

Conscious Transportation Choices for Sustainable Events

1. Carpooling: Set up a carpooling system for your event or encourage guests to share rides, which can significantly reduce the number of cars on the road and lower carbon emissions, a clever way to transport guests to and from your sustainable event.
2. Prioritise Public Transport: If possible, select sustainable venues close to public transport links, making it convenient for your guests to opt for greener transportation options, ensuring the eco-friendliness of your sustainable events.

Local and Organic Catering: Keep It Fresh

1. Choose Local Suppliers: Support local suppliers and reduce your event’s carbon footprint by sourcing food as close to home as you’re able to. 
2. Opt for Organic: Choose organic food options where you can. By opting for organic, you’re not only contributing to the preservation of our precious ecosystems, but you’re also ensuring the best quality food for your sustainable events.

Water Conservation: The Final Drop

1. Dispensers over Bottles: Offer water in large dispensers rather than individual plastic bottles, a small change that can make a significant impact on plastic waste reduction.
2. Use Water-efficient Fixtures: Sustainable venues should prioritise providing water-efficient fixtures for events in order to reduce wasting water. Every drop counts!

A Few of Our Favourite Sustainable Venues

Glaziers Hall is a unique event venue for hire in London Bridge. You’ll get stunning views of the Thames and the City of London. They have seven event spaces that are great for a number of events including corporate dinners, large industry awards ceremonies, AGMs, conferences, and more. What’s even better is their commitment to sustainability. They’ve won the Green Tourism Gold Award in recognition of the steps they take to reduce their environmental impact. 

Lumiere has several event spaces around London. Each one is unique and offers a beautiful setting for private events including conferences, photo shoots, parties, and more. Lumiere’s venues all use energy-efficient lighting and they’ve implemented recycling and waste reduction programs. 

It’s important to recognise that incorporating sustainability into your holiday celebrations is more than just a trend – it’s a step toward a greener, more eco-conscious future. So get creative and find ways to make your events and venues greener. After all, there’s no greater gift we can give our planet than a celebration that celebrates it too.