Environmental Issue: Minimize waste generated during an offsite company event
The easiest way to reduce your impact is to reduce what you consume. Next time you have a company party count the amount of trash bags you have generated in just a couple of hours. If that same party is run in a sustainable fashion you won't even have to take out the trash when it's over.
Environmental Benefit: The most obvious savings is diverting trash from landfills when practicing zero waste principles at offsite company events.
Other Benefits:Often spouses, children and clients attend offsite company events. By extending your company's efforts outside of the office you will be training the community on best practices. Additionally it will present your company in a positive view - a form of low cost marketing. Finally to be consistent with internal company policies employees will expect to see similar behavior across the entire company no matter the location or purpose of the event.
Cost and complexities: This one is easy because Eco-Cycle has created pre-assembled kits for events of all sizes. If you don't live in Boulder you will need to locate a store that sells compostable glasses, fork and plates. Most major chains now carry these types of products as well as several online retailers. Be sure to let employees know what can be recycled and what can be composted so there is no confusion when it comes time to clean up.
Implementation Plan:
- Purchase Zero Waste Compostable event kits
- Post signs at events to inform guests that what they are eating and drinking with is compostable
- Announce/Celebrate with guests that this is a Zero Waste event
Where to Purchase:
http://www.ecocycle.org/zwevents/kit.cfm