Green Event Certification

Engage in climate action by taking steps to make your events more eco-friendly! You will be guided by a sustainability consultant to reduce environmental, social, and financial costs of your event, while using your platform to educate others. Collaboratively, we aim to reduce waste and energy consumption across five categories: 

Expand allMarketing and Communications

• Utilize digital marketing  or calendars over single-use paper fliers
• For physical handouts, include a reminder to recycle after use
• Use recyclable, reusable, or biodegradable options for physical marketing (bonus: use post-consumer recycled or FSC-certified paper!)
• Collect and recycle all paper marketing after the event

Energy Consumption

• Encourage responsible use of water and energy: try to lessen the amount of electronics that are plugged in and avoid using excessive amounts of water
• Provide shuttles or resources for public transportation/carpooling to events that are not in walking distance
• Turn off the lights and unplug all electronics after events

Swag and Freebies

• Consider how important swag is to your event, and reconsider more sustainable, ethical, and practical options.
• Offer experiences and coupons over items that may end up in the trash
• Purchase swag from local and environmentally-friendly vendors
• Incorporate the swag into your event’s activities (painting events, upcycling)

Physical Waste

• Provide labeled recycling for all waste
• Utilize aluminum cans over plastic bottles
• Opt for reusable, recyclable, or biodegradable decor items
• Utilize digital options or whiteboards for handouts, trivia, games, etc.

Food-Related Waste

• Use reusable, recyclable, or compostable dishware and cutlery (can be provided by Sustainable Carolina for events under 20 attendees)
• Donate salvageable leftovers and compost remaining food waste
• Avoid using straws and other single-use plastic items
• Opt for vegetarian and vegan options
• Encourage attendees to bring their own water bottles or containers for leftover

The Green Certification Team is available to work with you as you plan your event. For more information on how your event can be green certified send us an email with your event details and we'll set up a consultation!