GREENER EVENTS
Make life's big events more eco-friendly.
Minimize Travel Miles to Your Event
Choose a location that minimizes travel for you and your guests. Ideally, locate on a TARC route and list the route number or a link to its schedule on your invitation. Encourage your guests to carpool to your event. Ask your rented venue operator whether your catering options are restricted; if so, ask if any of those caterers offer reusable or compostable tableware.
Send Digital Invitations
Paper invitations are costly, require natural and energy resources to produce and mail. Digital invitations are easy to personalize, cut costs, lower your carbon footprint and make it easier for your guests to RSVP. You still can print a few paper invitation s for less tech savvy guests or to frame as a momento. Try Canva
Avoid Plastics
Single-use tableware sits in landfills for centuries. Ask your caterer about low-waste options. Or bring, borrow or rent reusable tableware. Use biodegradables that break down in local compost facilities: bamboo, agave or wood utensils, bamboo chopsticks, cups and plates of paper or bagasse (sugar-cane waste). Use and recycle aluminum cups.
Compost Food Waste, If Not Tableware
Landfilled food creates methane, a greenhouse gas far worse than CO2. Will your caterer collect your event's food waste and biodegradable tableware and have it composted? If not, contact Louisville Compost Co-op for containers and pick-up service. Post tasteful (wink) signs to remind guests not to place reusable utensils in the compost bins.
Serve Locally Produced Food & Beverages
Fresh, local food tastes better! To boost our area’s economy and cut your event's carbon footprint, ask caterers and retailers for local produce. Kentucky Proud can help you find farm-fresh produce. For smaller events, visit local farmers' markets. Don't forget locally produced beverages.
Decorate With Local Flowers
If decorating with fresh flowers, ask florists about locally-grown options. Or buy native wildflowers, like Black-Eyed Susan, Goldenrod and Purple Coneflower from your farmers market. If your event is out-of-season, consider dried Oak Leaf Hydranga blooms or potted plants.
This page was inspired by LCAN member Barbara Berman, and researched and written by Maddox Miller.​