On Sunday, 30 March, we celebrated International Day of Zero Waste, reminding us that every product we buy, every resource we consume, and everything we use leaves an environmental footprint.
The United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 12 (SDG 12): Responsible Consumption and Production, calls for a shift away from wasteful extractive systems towards more sustainable practices.
Events are major consumers of resources – from catering, packaging, and stand materials to energy and water. Some of the biggest waste contributors in the industry include:
- Single-use plastics: Disposable cups, cutlery, packaging, and decorations often end up in landfills or the ocean.
- Uneaten food: Catering services frequently overproduce, leading to tons of uneaten food being discarded.
- Discarded gifts and signage: Banners, signage, promotional giveaways, and printed programs are often discarded directly after an event.
- Energy waste: Excessive use of lighting, heating, cooling, and standby electronics at venues drives up emissions.
- Logistical waste: Transporting equipment, attendees, and supplies across vast distances increases the carbon footprint.
How events can align to SDG 12
As the events industry gains momentum globally, so does its responsibility to adopt sustainable procurement, consumption, and waste management practices that reduce environmental impact while maintaining operational excellence.
- Choose event spaces with green certifications, energy-efficient infrastructure, and strong waste management policies.
- Work with vendors committed to sustainability – whether it’s caterers that source organic, local ingredients or staging companies using recyclable materials.
- Shift away from disposable merchandise to digital alternatives or sustainable giveaways like plantable seed paper or reusable products.
- Implement “zero-waste menus” by designing meals around locally available, low-impact ingredients, and partner with food rescue organisations to redistribute surplus food.
- Eliminate bottled water by providing refillable stations. Use compostable or reusable dishware and cutlery instead of disposables.
Try this! Use The Green Database to find sustainable suppliers in Africa who align with zero-waste principles.
Implement a circular economy approach
A circular economy approach ensures that materials stay in use for as long as possible rather than being discarded after a single event.
Consider including these #eventgreening tips in your sustainable event strategy:
- Set up clearly marked recycling bins and composting stations at strategic points.
- Upcycle event banners into durable tote bags or storage containers.
- Partner with NGOs to donate unused materials (e.g., carpeting, furniture, signage).
- Look into companies that offer waste-to-energy solutions, turning event waste into biofuel or electricity.
To ensure continuous improvement, conduct waste audits before and after events to track materials used and develop future waste reduction strategies.
Choose wisely – plan responsibly
By integrating SDG 12 principles into event planning, the industry can minimise its environmental footprint, promote ethical procurement and consumption, and shift toward a Net-Zero Carbon Events future. The Event Greening Forum (EGF) helps event professionals implement #eventgreening practices through industry collaborations, educational workshops, and practical tools.
In honour of International Day of Zero Waste, we believe it’s important to recognise that waste is not inevitable – it’s a result of our choices. Every decision, from the suppliers we choose to the way we handle our leftovers, has an impact.
What legacy do you want to leave?