Secrets to Green Events (Part 2)

Last week Clean Air Council drew back the curtain, giving you a first-hand look at how we strive to produce large events sustainably. From water to waste, Part 1 looked at easy-to-implement solutions that make events greener. This week, in Part 2, the Council shows its creative side, tackling more difficult issues. From upcycling to keeping up with trends, every detail is looked at with sustainability in mind.

Upcycle

Over or under ordering event supplies is the kind of thing that keeps every event organizer awake late at night. Despite careful inventory tracking, events are often left with a surplus of promotional items and giveaways. After decades of events, the Council has accumulated a large collection of leftover event shirts. In 2015, instead of purchasing reusable bags for Greenfest Philly, these shirts were upcycled and given new life as tote bags.The upcycled totes were reused again in 2016 as the Run for Clean Air’s team pick up bags. Not only were they functional but upcycling the shirts into bags saved money and created a buzz worthy give-away item.

Borrow

Most events rely heavily on rental equipment, however, event planners want their events to stand out and the audience to have a memorable experience. Without breaking your budget, acquiring cool, one-of-a-kind pieces of equipment or furniture can be challenging. This is where you “get by with a little help from your friends”. Clean Air Council stages its “Rest and Recharge” tent with upcycled furniture borrowed from sustainable co-working space, The Sustainability Nexus. Since the event is on a weekend, the furniture isn’t in use and showcases the “sustainably chic” vibe of the Nexus at Greenfest.

Get Creative

Race “bling” is a growing trend. Runners of all ages and speeds like to get a medal. In 2016, the Council grappled with how to excite participants, provide them with coveted “bling”, and stay true to the Run for Clean Air’s mission. The Council got creative and decided to fashion a reusable spork multi-tool into a “medal” by branding it and putting it on a bamboo lanyard. Useful, creative, and sustainable, the first ever Run for Clean Air finisher medal was a hit and set the bar high for 2017’s race medal.

 

Want to see Clean Air Council’s sustainable events in person? Mark your calendar and come out for Greenfest Philly on Sunday, September 11, 2016, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Headhouse Square. Have a green event question? Contact Special Events Director Katie Edwards at kedwards@cleanair.org.