Learn how to plan Eco-Friendly Events!

Eco Friendly Event Planning: 

​A little bit of thoughtful planning can save resources, reduce trash, and protect the planet! To make it easy, we've compiled some tips, resources, and links to help you get started with hosting eco-friendly events!​

Tips for Reserving your space: 

• If the event is during the day try picking an outdoor location, or a room ​with enough windows to eliminate the need for overhead lights. ​
• ​Use a space with a projector hook up. You can present your information digitally to reduce paper at your event

Waste Reduction

​ Tips:​

• When ​planning your event ​with Jackie​ Aliotta​ in Student ​L​ife make sure you request composting and recycling services from house keeping​. Learn more about the office for event planning at http://www.umbc.edu/thecommons/epcs/​

• Bonus tip- ​To ensure​ composting at your event​:​ email ​recycle@umbc.edu to request composing bags. From there you can designate a member to take the composting materials to the compost bin at commons dock.
• ​ Or for a fee, work control can drop off composting for you. ​
• ​Be sure to have signage and make an announcement so everyone at your event knows how to sort any waste at your event: http://sustainability.umbc.edu/waste/​
• When considering your advertising options consider a social media based advertising campaign. Digital advertising reduces the amount of paper​ consumed and wasted. 
• If you're using paper​, ​use quarter cards or half sheet flyers​. Print on recycled paper and use both sides. ​
• ​This saves paper and ​while reducing your printing costs​
• When ​planning  your advertising, consider utilizing an iNet ​video ​ad ​with Commonvision ​​instead of printing many flyers

Got Food? 

• If your're planning on serving food at your event try to use compostable or reusable cutlery and dishes. 

• If you​r​ event is catered through Chartwells you can request both​ while placing your order​!
• ​Instead of individual plastic bottled water or drinks, ​you can order a water or drink dispenser with compostable cups
• You can even buy reusable cups with your logo on them as a souvenir! 
• Choose food that requires little packaging, and that is less processed and plant-based. 
• Eat Local! You can request vegetarian, local and organic ​food through Chartwells and they will work with you to meet your needs.
• Baltimore is home to some great restaurants that offer sustainable or farm to table options. If they offer catering they can cater your event, just have them fill out a vending request form from Chartwells

·        Some examples include: 

• thelandofkush.com
• http://atwaters.biz/
• http://www.woodberrykitchen.com/

Before You Leave:

• ​L​eave the space better​, cleaner and greener​ than when you entered it. 
• Make sure all waste in the appropriate bin
• ​T​urn off the lights ​and any electronics ​before you