19 Steps to a Greener Event

A few years ago, I was producing an event featuring Jack Johnson. A noted environmentalist, Johnson's production rider contained a number of suggestions of steps the venue could take to raise public awareness and make the event a bit more earth-friendly (no small feat, as anyone who's produced a large event knows). As I just recently read that he's on tour again, I decided to expand on his recommendations, and share them with anyone looking for some hints on producing a “greener” event.

• If using generators to power your event, inquire about the use of bio-diesel blends as opposed to regular diesel fuel (check with generator supplier first, NEVER assume its ok, regardless of what the fuel supplier tells you ).


• Make sure you have plenty of clearly marked recycling bins throughout the facility.


• Where possible, require your catering contractor use washable dishes and silver wear. When not possible (such as with your general concessions), ensure disposable goods are biodegradable and/or recyclable.


• Offer a free on-site sponsorship to a solar storage unit provider. Offer them display space and other amenities in exchange for the powering other small on-site displays. There's no better way to demonstrate your product than powering the show!


• Sell a sponsorship for small branded bags to be placed on each seat. Include a flier that directs guests to fill the bag with their trash and drop it at the exit. Make each bag redeemable for a giveaway (a ticket voucher, coupon, etc). Helps save money on cleanup too!


• Encourage biking to the event with a specially designated bike-check area. Offer complimentary air, and perhaps partner with a local bike shop to provide discounted tuneup service.


• Set up special "compost" bins for food scraps. Have them picked up by a local community gardening group after the event. Better yet, allow them to promote their group on-site in exchange for them administering the program (i.e. emptying the bins throughout the event).


• To encourage car-pooling, offer a parking "rebate" or a coupon for vehicles containing 4 or more passengers. Promote this aspect before the show for maximum impact. Sell the program as a promotional sponsorship package to an auto dealer, fuel supplier, or anyone trying to convey a "fuel efficiency" image.


• If technology permits, encourage digital ticketing whenever possible (more on this in a future post).


• Work out a promotional deal with a local bus company for transit to and from your event.


• Institute a "no idling" policy backstage for deliveries and truck/bus drivers. Create a "cool zone" with air conditioning, television, and wi-fi for drivers. (those trucks and buses are usually the drivers home. Make sure they have a place to relax when you tell them to turn it off).


• Discourage the use of non-biodegradable confetti in artist set pieces (i.e plastic or foil). Make note of this policy in your production advance.


• Ensure that your cleaning contractor uses non-toxic supplies whenever the option exists.


• Whenever possible, use paper cups for drinks as opposed to plastic (check your local ordinances regarding alcohol, it may need to be served in a transparent cup).


• Combine runner trips to conserve fuel.


• Rent electric golf carts whenever possible. Better yet, rent bicycles...they're cheaper and better for you and the environment. They may even have cargo bikes for your supply needs.


• If you manage the venue where your event is held, consider landscaping the venue with native vegetation. It's less costly and easier to maintain than traditional landscaping.


• Make your event completely smoke free. Aside from the benefits to air quality, you'll greatly reduce your waste from all those cigarette butts. If this isn't an option. Restrict smoking to an isolated area on-site.


• If the above steps are impossible, consider donating part of your profits to a local environmental charity. If you opt to purchase carbon offsets, be VERY rigorous in your investigations before doing so.

As you can see, some of these steps are easier to institute than others. I welcome any additional ideas you may have in the comments below!