Green Event Guide

Go Paperless

Prioritize digital communication over printing posters; utilize CampusGroups, the Student Digest, and your group’s social media. If printing is necessary, print a maximum of 12 posters, and place them in high-traffic areas on campus. Make sure they are placed inside so they do not become litter. 

If you can, try to find a way to reuse the posters. You can put multiple events on one poster or print on the back of scrap paper (such as from the library). Either way, be aware of the amount of paper you’re using and how much of it is necessary.

Have trash, recycling, and compost at your event 

Ensure trash, recycling, and compost bins are in your event location at a convenient and high-traffic location. If they are not, have a plan for getting them there. Pick up a few small compost bins from the Office of Sustainability (email sustainability@bowdoin.edu) and use them to collect compost during your event. When the event is over, empty the bin into one of the larger compost totes located near Sargent/Smith Union or Moulton Union. And, if you have things that can be reused—decorations, materials, etc.— save them for your next event or give them away to attendees.

Proper Signage

Have signs that you can reuse for every event that show attendees how to sort their waste. Including the specific items that are compostable at your event on the signage is most helpful so you can use this template to customize a sign for your event if needed. Announce throughout the event how attendees can manage the specific waste at that event and to refer to the signage. If the event is larger, or during certain times in the event, you can have a group member stand by the bins and help people correctly sort their waste.

Cleaning

Use and purchase cleaning supplies without harsh chemicals (e.g., ammonia and bleach). Many cleaning solutions can be made with ingredients such as vinegar and lemon. Also, avoid cleaning supplies that lead to a lot of waste, such as cleaning wipes or pads. For recommendations on products or to search specific ones, see the Environmental Working Group guide.

How Much Food To Order

Create a CampusGroups event and/or ask people to RSVP if they are planning on attending. Order food based on the number of RSVPs so you have less left over. In addition, have a plan to either donate unopened and non-perishable food or have reusable containers for attendees to take extra food home in. 

Working with Vendors

Tell your vendor that you are trying to make your event more sustainable. You can ask them if they have food options that are locally-sourced, organic, and seasonal. Limit the amount of meat you are serving at events by replacing at least one meat item with a plant-based option. 

If you are ordering food, ask them to not include napkins, straws, plates, cutlery, etc. You can also ask them to place the food in reusable containers that the group can reuse for future events or leftovers. 

Serviceware

If your group has a place to store and wash things, use reusable serviceware rather than buying disposable ones. If washing plates is not feasible, opt at least for reusable silverware, which will take minutes to clean. This will save your group money and lessen the waste you’re creating. 

If that is not an option, buy compostable serviceware and ensure you have a plan to compost it. Bowdoin dining has options for renting linen tablecloths—see link.

Avoid styrofoam, plastic cutlery, plastic bags, and individually wrapped items when possible.

Drinks

If you are serving drinks, serve them in large containers with compostable or real glasses rather than individual bottles or cans. If you are serving water, you can use a large reusable jug to transport it and then serve it at your event. In addition, encourage your guests to “bring your own water bottle (BYOWB)”  in order to reduce waste. Lastly, limit your usage of straws unless for reasons such as a disability. 

If cans or bottles are being used, consider recycling them through Clynk to make some money. If your space is being used to host an event, encourage those attending (or borrowing your space) to recycle with Clynk. You could even include it in a contract they are signing.

Serving

Serve food buffet-style with serving utensils to avoid individually wrapped items. Student servers can aid in portion control to prevent food waste. Or, opt for finger foods to get rid of the need for serviceware. In addition, have condiments in large containers rather than single-use packets. 

Minimize, borrow, and reuse decorations

Try to minimize the decorations you use. If you need decorations for your event, first reach out to friends and groups to see if you can borrow it from them. If you are purchasing decorations, have a plan as to how you are going to reuse them and a place to store them. You can give away some of the leftover decorations to the guests as prizes.

If you must use something that cannot be reused (i.e. balloons), then try to see if they can be composted. It is also a good idea to locally source the decorations or make them yourself (this could be an additional group event). Plants make a great natural, reusable, and compostable decoration!

Check with Student Activities or Residential Life to see if they have a place for you to store any decorations after your event to be used for future events.

If you are giving away prizes or swag, you can give experiences rather than things. Support local businesses by giving tickets to events, food or gift cards to local restaurants, or opportunities. In addition, choose sustainable and useful products, such as reusable straws, utensils, water bottles, bags, compostable stickers, or sustainable apparel; avoid single-use or low-quality products. 

Ensure that doors and windows are closed during the event rather than letting cold air in to maximize energy efficiency. If you are choosing a space to host your event, understand the energy efficiency of the building—see this link to learn more about green buildings on campus. If you are using lights, ensure they are LED lights so less electricity is needed. If you have a lot of things to plug in, consider using a power strip so they can be turned off when not in use.