The Big Green List 2024: A Product And Service Guide to Green Events
Events have the power to bring people together, but they can also leave a significant environmental footprint. There is a lot of value in going green. Planning a sustainable event demonstrates your commitment to the planet, showcases your brand's values, and resonates with environmentally conscious attendees.
This expanded "Big Green List" is your all-in-one resource for planning an event that minimises waste, prioritises sustainability, and leaves a positive impact long after the last guest departs.
Have Swag, But Make It Sustainable
First off, let's talk goodies. We all love them, but we don't love the waste they can create. So, why not choose eco-friendly options?
Eco-friendly Event Name Badges
Forget plastic holders, clips, synthetic lanyards, and metal hooks. Go for badges made of recycled or plantable seed paper. Imagine your attendees planting their badges and watching flowers grow ... kinda makes you memorable!
Terra Tag has an all-in-one sustainable name badge and lanyard solution that is a game changer. And guests love them because they’re artisanal and won’t end up languishing in landfill like other name badge and lanyard solutions.
Reusable Tote Bags
Ditch disposable bags. Guests don’t want them. Choose bags made of organic cotton or recycled material. Not only are they reusable, but they show you’re making decisions with our planet top of mind.
Buy From The Bush is dedicated to bolstering rural Australia and supporting small enterprises, presenting a 100% Australian cotton tote bag available on their website.
Albury Enviro Bags sells eco-friendly bags made from materials like canvas, hemp, calico, and jute.
Straya Bags offers a collection of eco bags with oodles of styles and materials such as jute, cotton, and canvas.
Eco-friendly Pens and Notebooks
Encourage note-taking with pens made from recycled materials or bamboo, and notebooks crafted from recycled paper or tree-free alternatives like stone paper.
Earth Greetings Refillable Bamboo Ballpoint Pen crafted from bamboo, is both stylish, sustainable. and refillable.
Lousy Liner refillable pens are made from 100% recycled plastic and printer ink liners.
Ecopaper FSC Timber Ballpoint Pen features a timber barrel that can be refilled with ink when it runs out.
Onyx and Green have the most fabulous recycled newspaper coloured pencils!
Karst Stone Paper™ Notebooks: Crafted right here in Australia, Karst Stone Paper™ notebooks are made from recycled stone.
Decomposition Notebooks: These quirky notebooks feature 100% post-consumer recycled paper and come in various sizes.
Agood Company Stone Paper Notebooks: Not only are these notebooks made from stone, but they also claim to be the first climate-positive notebooks.
Onyx and Green: Offers journals and notebooks made from materials like recycled sugar cane or stone.
Dingbats Earth Collection: Dingbats creates FSC-certified paper journals bound in vegan leather.
Gifts That Give Back
Instead of the usual trinkets, give gifts that resonate with your attendees' values. How about supporting a project that plants trees or an initiative that empowers refugees? Your gifts can have an impact long after your event ends.
Carbon Positive Australia is committed to an admirable Australian initiative, planting native trees and shrubs on degraded lands to fight climate change by sequestering carbon.
The Social Outfit champions the cause of refugees and new migrants by offering them training and employment opportunities through an ethical manufacturing studio and retail store.
Base crafts artisan cleansing products using natural ingredients, dedicating proceeds to enhance health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children.
Mettle Women Inc. addresses the critical issue of homelessness caused by domestic and family violence by supporting affected women through the sale of unique gift boxes.
Support a cause close to your heart while enjoying beautiful sock designs at the Sydney Sock Project.
Green Venues
Looking for Green Venues?
VenueNow sources sustainably minded, unique Australian venues with a small environmental footprint. They also have dedicated Sydney and Melbourne pages with fabulous green venue listings.
Having worked in management consulting for 30 years, I’ve both organised and been to my fair share of both client and team events. Here are a few favs:
This prestigious venue, renowned for its commitment to sustainability, operates within New South Wales' first venue awarded a six-star green rating. Emphasising eco-friendly practices, Doltone House Darling Island Wharf integrates environmental considerations into every aspect of its event and function planning, aiming for a future devoid of fossil fuels. The venue, set against a scenic waterside backdrop, combines luxury with a minimal ecological impact.
The Timber Yard is founded on the principles of reusing, repurposing, and creating communal spaces for outstanding events. Spanning 6,000 sqm in the industrial area of Port Melbourne, the venue has been thoughtfully renovated, honouring its original function as a site for storing and working with reclaimed timber. Designed as a haven within the urban environment, The Timber Yard aims to introduce a touch of rural charm and character into the metropolitan setting.
Located in the scenic Victorian Alps, the Delalite Cellar Door is a model of sustainable architecture, designed with a deep respect for the environment. This venue, envisioned by Lucy Clemenger Architects, merges biodynamic farming principles with eco-friendly design, offering a unique event space that's both beautiful and environmentally responsible.
Look for These Green Venue Certifications
If you want a venue that operates within a set of sustainability standards, look for ones with green certifications and practices. There are several green venue certifications available for buildings, which include:
NABERS (National Australian Built Environment Rating System): This is a national rating system that measures the environmental performance of Australian buildings, tenancies, and homes.
Building Energy Efficiency Certificates (BEEC): These certificates show the energy efficiency of a building and are required for larger commercial office spaces that are for sale or lease.
GREENSTAR: This is a comprehensive, national, voluntary environmental rating system that evaluates the environmental design and construction of buildings and communities.
LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design): An internationally recognised green building certification system.
BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method): Another leading global sustainability assessment method for master planning projects, infrastructure, and buildings.
WELL: This is a performance-based system for measuring, certifying, and monitoring features of the built environment that impact human health and wellbeing.
Additionally, specific venues like the Royal International Convention Centre have been awarded the Green Globe Certification, which is noted for being a significant environmental sustainability certification. For more detailed information visit the following sources:
Décor That Delights Sustainably
Lord knows that we don’t need any more ‘stuff’ in the world, so when it comes to decor, think reduce, reuse, and recycle. Many Australian businesses hire out everything you’ll need to deck out your event and dazzle.
Harry The Hirer: Promote sustainability by minimising the need to purchase new materials for each event. Harry helps you bring to life that great idea.
Bangin Hangins: Specialises in sustainable party decorations, reusing materials, and operating from a warehouse powered almost entirely by solar energy. They focus on zero waste and support environmental and community causes.
Moreton Hire: Provides sustainable event equipment hire, including furniture and materials regularly used for ceremonies and events, focusing on sustainability in their operations.
Eco Party Box: Offers eco-friendly party supplies, including compostable tableware and decorations, supporting sustainable event planning.
D PLUS D Events: While not explicitly stated as 'sustainable', bespoke event styling and furniture hire services like D PLUS D often offer the option to rent rather than buy, aligning with sustainable event practices.
The Catering Company
Catering with a Cause
Food is a big deal at any event. Go for caterers who prioritise local, seasonal, and ethically sourced ingredients. It's all about delicious meals that tell a story of sustainability.
The Catering Company: Melbourne's leading sustainable catering service, offering exceptional food, variety, and value. Committed to sustainability, exclusively using locally sourced products and collaborating with Victorian farms known for their eco-friendly practices.
Radish Events: Specialises in sustainable corporate catering in Sydney, focusing on zero-waste practices and ethically sourced produce. They are a certified BCorp.
EatFirst: Offers sustainable and ethical catering services across Australia, with a focus on local and seasonal produce.
The Catering Department: Provides sustainable catering services in Sydney, emphasising the use of local and seasonal food to minimise environmental impact.
Bayleaf Sydney: Committed to sustainability, offering eco-friendly catering solutions for corporate events in Sydney, utilising local, seasonal, and organic produce.
Agape Organic: Specialises in organic and sustainable catering for corporate events, using ethically sourced ingredients for their healthy and delicious menus.
Ditch the Disposables: Compostable tableware from brands like Biopak ensure waste doesn't end up in landfills. Explore reusable or rental options for larger-scale events.
Waste Not, Want Not
In the journey towards sustainability, managing waste efficiently is a pivotal step. An event's success is often gauged not just by the memories it creates but also by the waste it doesn't. Embracing a zero-waste philosophy can significantly elevate an event's environmental credentials. The following organisations are leading the charge in transforming waste management from a logistical challenge into a sustainability triumph. Their services range from comprehensive recycling and composting to innovative food rescue initiatives, ensuring that your event leaves a positive, green legacy.
Closed Loop: Offers sustainable waste management services for events and venues, focusing on recycling, composting, reusing, and donating. They aim to divert as much waste from landfill as possible and provide comprehensive waste management reports.
Wanless: Provides a "Total Waste Management Solution" for events, covering solid waste, recycling, and hazardous & liquid wastes, aiming to save time and reduce environmental impact.
Clean Vibes: Specialises in event cleaning and sustainable waste management with over 30 years of experience, focusing on delivering sustainable solutions.
Veolia Australia and New Zealand: Offers world-class, sustainable recycling and waste management solutions for special events across Australia, including event pre-planning, logistics, and detailed site waste management.
OzHarvest: While primarily a food rescue organisation, they partner with events to redirect untouched food to shelters or charities, contributing to waste reduction.
Going the Extra Mile: Elevate Your Event's Eco-Credentials
So, you've got the basics down, but you're itching to do more? Perfect, because we've got just the thing for you. It's time to take your green game to the next level. Let's look at some advanced strategies to make your event not just eco-friendly, but a leader in environmental advocacy.
Offsetting Carbon Footprints: The Greenfleet Way
Let's talk about the elephant in the room: carbon footprints.
Every event leaves one, but here's your chance to make things right. Partner up with Greenfleet, a standout not-for-profit, committed to reforesting landscapes and battling climate change. Their carbon offset programs are tailor-made for events like yours. By aligning with them, you're not just hosting an event; you're restoring forests and creating a legacy.
Tech That Talks the Talk
In this digital age, let's leverage technology for the greater good:
Eventbrite: Beyond just event management, this platform empowers you to highlight your event's green initiatives and engage with like-minded eco-conscious attendees.
Whova: Wave goodbye to printed agendas and brochures. Whova's app brings everything to the digital realm, significantly cutting down your event's paper trail.
Heathcote Hills Tiny House
Eco-Conscious Traveling and Staying
Encourage your attendees to embrace green travel:
Green Getaways Australia: This gem lists accommodations and travel options that prioritise sustainability. Recommend it to your attendees for a greener journey and stay.
Show and Tell: Promote Your Green Efforts
Finally, transparency is key. Flaunt (yell it at the top of your lungs) your sustainable practices through every channel available – signage, social media, event apps. Let your attendees see the effort you're putting in. It's not just about making an impact; it's about inspiring others to follow suit.
Together, We Can Make a Difference
By following these tips and incorporating the recommendations from the Big Green List 2024, you can plan an event that's not only successful but also environmentally responsible. Remember, every small step towards sustainability counts, and by making conscious choices, you can create a lasting positive impact on our planet.
