by Gabi Grose | Dec 18, 2019 | Information and Guidance, Making Events Sustainable, Sustainability
Christmas is fast approaching and we’re all rushing around trying to get organised, but we still need to consider the environment. When it comes to food, decorations, trees, gifts, travelling, hosting events and everything else this December, be mindful of your choices. According to a recent study by waste management company Biffa: The Christmas period is set to see a whole lot go to waste in the UK, including around 277,000 miles of wrapping paper, up to 2 million turkeys and 74 million mince pies. Here are some ways to reduce the impact at your home, business or event: Christmas Trees and Decorations Reuse an artificial Christmas tree if you have one. Source a second hand tree (and decorations) from gum tree, eBay or charity shop. Make an alternative tree using reused items or materials – Google for ideas. If you’re buying a real tree look for the FSC-Certification logo. Use LED Christmas lights and timers to reduce energy use. Make decorations using things you already have or can forage from outdoors (broken branches or pine cones on the floor). Food Plan ahead to minimise waste. Choose organic and free range meat. Try some veggie and vegan alternatives. Buy items with less packaging, especially plastic. Don’t use plastic straws, plates or cutlery. Donate to your local foodbank. Recycle leftovers using Olio Gifts and Cards Send e-cards or make from material you already have. Don’t wrap in plastic or plastic ribbon. Try wrapping with a scarf or recycled materials. Avoid glitter! Wrapping paper and cards can’t be recycled if contain glitter. Use second hand/charity shops to find Christmas gifts (and... by Gabi Grose | Nov 8, 2019 | Event Management, Information and Guidance, Lambeth Country Show, Making Events Sustainable
We appreciate there are many areas to think about when it comes to delivering a greener event. Some events are already making positive changes towards reducing their environmental impact, however there is a long way to go across the sector. EventLambeth want to help all event organisers move in the right direction and have put together a list of actions to start things off. It is important to remember simple changes and good planning in the early stages can make a big difference. Look at all areas of your event; energy, water, waste and recycling, products, suppliers, staff, promotion and travel. Keep in mind you will also need to think about how this fits into procurement processes, contracting suppliers, front of house plans, back of house operations and how attendees behave at your event. Getting Started: First do some research, there is a wealth of information and ideas out there on how to make your event greener. Read the Lambeth Green Guide to Events. This will give you a clear understanding of all the areas you need to consider and build into your planning process. All events are required to meet the ‘Essential’ criteria. Review your event section by section – look at waste, water, travel, energy, food and serve-ware. Think about the current impact of the event and identify key areas you need to make changes. Involve your contractors and suppliers early to ensure they have time to prepare and understand requirements they need to meet. Start simple. For example, audience transport is one of the greatest impact areas and one of the easiest ones to address. Encourage... by Gabi Grose | Oct 17, 2019 | Event Management, Information and Guidance, Making Events Sustainable
As part of the wider Borough plan, EventLambeth is committed to making sure all events are operating and being delivered more sustainably. EventLambeth have been working hard over the past few months to create the new Lambeth Green Events Guide. This guidance has been put together in consultation with the Lambeth Sustainability Team and includes measures such as green travel initiatives, recycling systems, elimination of single use plastic, managing energy and water more efficiently, as well as choosing sustainable products, materials and suppliers. We know the organisation, delivery and operations of events have varying forms of environmental impacts; requiring transport, consuming energy, water, food and materials, and producing waste and carbon emissions. However, with the new guidance we can work with organisers to ensure they are reducing these impacts and making positive changes. All events in Lambeth parks, open spaces, public highways and buildings are now required to adhere to the Green Guide’s criteria as part of the Terms & Conditions of hire for Outdoor Events and Indoor Events. Read the Lambeth Green Event Guide and watch this space for more blog posts on how to make your event... 
