Whether you're a corporate event planner or a parent hosting a family party this Easter Weekend, you'll probably have your hands full with planning and preparations."This year, it's equally important to work waste management into your do," says Mpendulo Ginindza, President of the Institute of Waste Management of Southern Africa (IWMSA).
Countrywide Easter events can put a huge strain on the national waste management infrastructure and that's bad news for the environment. So, let’s commit to doing things differently this time around.
Planning a Zero Waste event
Planning for waste management means having the right mindset. You can be a waste-free event pro by following these guidelines from Mpendulo:
• Think Zero. Zero Waste means less than 80% of your event’s waste will go to a landfill.
• Research. Get online to learn what it takes to run a Zero Waste event or who can help you do it right.
• Educate. For larger events, make sure your team understands your waste goals and what is acceptable practice on the day. For smaller occasions, let your guests know what they can and cannot bring with them in your invitation.
• Reject. Don't hesitate to reject any vendor or product that does not live up to your Zero Waste standards.
• Reduce. Less is more! So, cut back on unnecessary items that would go unused anyway or shortly end up in a landfill.
• Reuse. Wherever possible, opt for tableware, packaging, decorations and other items that can be readily reused at your next event or stored away for next year.
• Return. Some vendors provide a variety of event items, from decorations and tableware to furnishings and equipment, that they collect or you return afterwards – sometimes even unopened consumables. Ask about your options.
• Recycle and compost. When you absolutely must use disposable items at your event, make sure they are certified as recyclable, biodegradable or compostable, and that you dispose of them in the appropriate receptacles or manner. At larger events, provide sufficient receptacles at key locations and post signs requesting their use.
• Donate. You might be done with your decorations and unused consumables but associations for the elderly, orphans or other underprivileged communities would love to reuse them to make the less fortunate happy too. Donations of unopened, fresh food are also always welcome.
• Promote. You can let your attendees or guests know about your Zero Waste policy in subtle and clever ways without looking like a stick in the mud. In today's environmentally aware society, they will most likely appreciate the gesture.
• Repeat. Whether you’re just eyeballing or seriously spreadsheeting, evaluate your waste reduction results and commit to doing even better next time.
Extra tips
• If you're hosting at an indoor or outdoor venue, check that the venue managers also follow a Zero Waste policy and offer the waste management amenities you demand.
• Compile a list of vendors with a good reputation for Zero Waste practices and let them know what you expect from them and their third-party providers.
• In today's online world, you can send great looking digital invitations and autotrack RSVPs by email, text message or shareable link. There are literally hundreds of online vendors specialising in this service and it's much easier than physical cards.
• Be authentic, when we are authentic is when we waste less.
• If you're hosting at an indoor or outdoor venue, check that the venue managers also follow a Zero Waste policy and offer the waste management amenities you demand.
• Compile a list of vendors with a good reputation for Zero Waste practices and let them know what you expect from them and their third-party providers.
• In today's online world, you can send great looking digital invitations and autotrack RSVPs by email, text message or shareable link. There are literally hundreds of online vendors specialising in this service and it's much easier than physical cards.
• Be authentic, when we are authentic is when we waste less.
Good, clean Easter fun
Wow, this Easter bash is going to be your best one yet, all because of your waste management skills. That's extra cause for celebration.
"The IWMSA thanks you for your efforts and wishes all South Africans a happy, safe and waste-free Easter," says Mpendulo.
Supplied.