6+ Ways BoomPop Can Help You Plan Eco-Friendly Events

Planning

Apr 16

Planning

6+ Ways BoomPop Can Help You Plan Eco-Friendly Events

Victoria Kwon · 4/17/2024

Planning amazing events is what we do best at BoomPop. But amazing shouldn't come at the expense of the environment, right?

With Earth Day just around the corner, it's a perfect time to reflect on the impact our actions have on the planet. Business travel, for example, is a significant contributor to global emissions, responsible for an estimated 8-11%. As environmental awareness grows, companies are increasingly looking for ways to minimize their environmental footprint. But how can you plan an amazing event without sacrificing the planet?

BoomPop is passionate about creating unforgettable events, but we believe amazing experiences shouldn't come at the cost of the planet. That's why we're here to share sustainable event practices that we help you implement. By working together, we can create events that are not only impactful but also environmentally responsible.

Let's dive into some ways BoomPop can help you plan a greener event.

Teaming Up for a Positive Impact

One way we reduce our environmental footprint is by partnering with organizations like Carbon Direct. They help us calculate the carbon emissions of our events, like travel and venue energy use. Then, we can invest in projects that remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, like planting trees. It's a great way to offset our impact and contribute to a healthier planet.

2. Swag People Will Actually Use

We all know the feeling: overflowing swag bags that end up forgotten in a drawer. To avoid that, we focus on high-quality, reusable items that attendees will genuinely appreciate. Think reusable water bottles for staying hydrated on the go, tote bags made from recycled materials for everyday use, or locally-made goodies that support artisans and add a personal touch.

3. Giving Back Through Volunteering

Events can be a powerful force for good. We often incorporate volunteer opportunities into our planning. This could involve partnering with local environmental organizations or charities, allowing attendees to give back to the community while participating in the event. It's a win-win for everyone!

4. Activities with an Eco-Twist

The activities we choose for events can also make a difference. We love incorporating eco-friendly options like hikes or bike tours that get people moving outdoors. Outdoor movie nights are a fun way to connect under the stars, and workshops on sustainable living can inspire attendees to make greener choices in their daily lives.

5. Reducing Food Waste at Your Event

Food waste is a big issue in the event industry. To combat it, we work with you to plan the perfect amount of food for your event. Here’s how:

Know your audience: We help you understand your guest list and consider any dietary restrictions or preferences. We’ll then collaborate on a menu that offers vegetarian and vegan options, and we'll handle inquiring about allergies beforehand.
Informed meal choices made easy: We encourage early registration for your event and include options for attendees to select their meal preferences during the RSVP process. This gives caterers a clearer picture of how much food to prepare and reduces the risk of over-catering.
Portion control with a purpose: We work with caterers to ensure portion sizes are appropriate for your event type and duration. Smaller portions with the option for seconds are always better than overflowing plates that get tossed.

6. Greener Transportation Options

Getting your attendees to and from your event sustainably is another key element. We can help attendees find sustainable ways to get to your event.

Carpooling and Ride Sharing: We make it easy for attendees to connect and carpool if they live nearby. For those flying in, we analyze flight information during registration to explore shared ground transportation options like taxis or ride-sharing services. This reduces individual car trips and lowers emissions.
Public transportation assistance: If public transportation is a viable option, we can provide attendees with information on routes, schedules, and nearby stops.
Shuttle service exploration: Depending on your event location and guest numbers, we can explore options for running eco-friendly shuttle services. This could involve partnering with companies that use hybrid or electric vehicles.

Beyond the Basics

These are just a few ways BoomPop helps create sustainable events. We're always looking for new ideas to minimize our environmental impact. Here are some additional things we consider:

Local Sourcing: Supporting local vendors and caterers reduces transportation emissions and strengthens the local economy.
Energy-Efficient Venues: When choosing venues, we look for spaces with features like LED lighting and smart thermostats that save energy.
Waste Reduction: We use compostable plates and utensils whenever possible, and encourage recycling at events. Every little bit counts!

Want to explore more ways to green your business travel practices? Check out our blog on sustainable business travel tips for even more ways to minimize your environmental impact

Sustainable event planning isn't just a trend, it's about creating events with a conscience. By working together, we’ll help you navigate every step of the process. From brainstorming sustainable activities to measuring your environmental impact, we'll help you craft an event that leaves a positive footprint.

Chat with our Event Expert and get started planning your sustainable event.