You’re planning an event and you care about the environment. Where to start? Let’s talk about the venue. The great outdoors will offer you a more environmentally friendly option, and planning your event for daylight hours will give you an even bigger advantage. Think, natural light and natural setting eliminate the need for powered-lighting and an illustrious decor plan. Some obvious outdoor options include a lake or river, a waterfall, an orchard or vineyard, a farm, museums, art galleries, public gardens and parks, and your own backyard (or someone else’s). Of course, weather is always a factor with these options, so ensure a viable rain plan is in place.
Photos courtesy of Lamb and Lark Photography taken at Sherrill’s Inn
Photo courtesy of Aaron Imaging taken at Lake Eden
Since travel is the single biggest contributor to the carbon footprint of an event, there are many things you can do to reduce the transportation needs connected to your event location. If sending recommended accommodations to out-of-towners, assemble a list of local eco-friendly lodging as close to the venue as possible. Many establishments support green initiatives such as the following in Asheville, NC: Aloft Asheville Downtown, Hotel Indigo, Renaissance, and Princess Anne Hotel. Arrange for shuttles to carry guests to and from the venue. And, keep your event activities in the same location, or within walking distance, as another way to reduce transportation needs.
Photo courtesy of Jamie Clayton Photography
Look for venues that make it a part of their mission to minimize their carbon footprint. For instance, Laughing Waters Retreat in the Hickory Nut Gorge of Western NC is powered completely by a micro-hydro turbine propelled by a nearby waterfall. Black Mountain Sanctuary has unique offerings such as a composting toilet outbuilding and flower composting for those leftover arrangements. The North Carolina Arboretum provides recycling receptacles as a part of their “sustainable” event packages. If your outdoor venue is not set up for recycling or composting, these are services that can be sourced in most cities. Check out Danny’s Dumpster in Western North Carolina.
Left photo courtesy of Black Mountain Sanctuary; right photo courtesy of Blue Bend Photography
Lastly, lighting, when it comes to direct sun and sunsets, can become something to plan around. In extreme heat, ensure there are shady options; after dusk, suggest sweaters in advance. If taking pictures, the sunset can provide the perfect background if your timeline has been planned accordingly.
Photo courtesy of Ashley Felkel Photography
An indoor venue may be your best choice. If so, simply ask what measures are taken to reduce their carbon footprint, as a starting place to your planning.
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