Sustainability isn’t just a buzzword anymore; it’s a necessity. As business travelers and event planners, we’ve all taken the initial steps: recycling, going paperless, and ditching plastic. But what’s next? How can we elevate our efforts and make a truly meaningful impact? That’s where “next-level” sustainability for meetings and events comes in.

Recently, Skift highlighted 10 strategies for pushing beyond standard green practices, focusing on circular economy principles, socially conscious vendors, and innovative technologies. Combined with the real-world insights from our Covington Meetings & Events (CME) team, we’re here to guide you on this journey.

Moving Beyond the Basics

First, let’s talk about greenwashing. It’s not enough for a vendor to claim they’re sustainable; we need proof. For instance, when sourcing seafood, check for certifications from reputable organizations like the Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Seafood Watch. And if a hotel boasts about reducing food waste, ask them how. Do they use tools like Lean Path to measure waste or Power Knot biodigesters to break down leftovers?

Consider partnering with B Corporation travel companies like Intrepid Travel, which prioritizes social and environmental responsibility. Their commitment goes beyond carbon neutrality, extending to inclusive supply chains and community-focused tourism.

When it comes to catering, you can go beyond sourcing locally. Introduce the people behind the food by sharing the stories of the farmers and growers who made it possible.

Practical Steps for Meetings and Events Sustainability

Formalize carpooling to reduce transportation emissions. A simple group email can help attendees connect and share rides. Carpooling, using local transportation, and shuttle services are not only eco-friendly but save the traveler money.

Scrutinize CSR initiatives. Ensure your give-back activities align with your company’s values and your attendees’ interests. Consider supporting organizations like Clean the World, which recycles soap and provides hygiene supplies to those in need.

What about all those outdated logoed items? Donate them through services like SwagCycle, which repurposes and recycles unwanted branded merchandise.

Understand the difference between biodegradable and compostable. Just because something is biodegradable doesn’t mean it will break down in your local composting facility. Always check local requirements.

Lease your lanyards instead of buying new ones. Fairware’s lanyard lending library is a fantastic example of a circular economy in action.

If you must print, plant your paper. Use seed-embedded paper for badges and notes, and pair it with Sprout Pencils that grow into herbs or flowers.

And for a truly unique touch, consider edible swag. Branded Fruit uses produce sourced from local farms, imprinting graphics onto fruits and vegetables.

CME’s Expert Tips in Action

Our CME team has more insights to share to help increase meetings and events sustainability. Dee Dee White reminds us, “Choose an eco-friendly property from the start by checking their green initiatives; most are listed on the property website.”

Christi Ruddy, CMP, Manager of CME says, “You can rent fresh flowers for weddings and events so they can be utilized more than once.” If you do purchase flower arrangements, Jessie Jones suggests, “Donate any leftover florals to local retirement homes, shelters, and hospitals as a thoughtful gift to the local community.”

Dee Dee mentions, “Be mindful of the amount of swag you ship to the event in the first place to reduce the carbon expenditure of transport.” In the same vein, Christi recounts, “We are printing signs locally to reduce the carbon footprint of shipping them to the destination.”

Jessie Jones reports, “We donated any on-site signage materials from our last incentive trip to the hotel and local Destination Management Company (DMC). They could use the framing/tools from our feather banners, pop-up signs, and tents for other events.”   

She added, “Try to go as paperless as possible to reduce printing waste by using platforms like apps and QR codes. We currently use a texting platform that can include links to documents, and we are also exploring different event apps to limit printing documents.”

Regarding supporting the local community, Lauren Moore said, “For an incentive trip, we hosted an onsite shopping market with local vendors for our attendees. This supported local vendors and products and saved the customer time and travel expenses to areas outside of the resort.”

Holly Jackson Grove advocates a green catering plan. “Limit meat options and offer more plant-based options to increase sustainability. Wasted food is a huge contributor to our landfills. If permitted, deliver unhandled food to local food banks.”

Christi noted a practical tip from her recent experience: “A restaurant asked for a group’s dinner selections two days in advance to reduce food waste. Although this somewhat detracts from an elevated dining experience, it is a great example of adjusting expectations for the greater good.”

The Journey Continues

Sustainability in meetings and events is an ongoing journey, not a destination. By implementing these next-level strategies, we can create more responsible and impactful business meetings and events. Let us help you plan your next sustainable event. Contact Covington Meetings & Events today to learn more.