Zero Waste Event Planning

1
Zero Waste Event Planning

• Quick Facts
• Each individual 1.5 tons of solid waste per
  year about 4.5 pounds per person, per day
  90,000 pounds of trash in lifetime
• Landfills rank 2 in highest greenhouse gas
  emissions in the US (after fossil fuel
  combustion)
• 58 of municipal waste (by weight) are packaging
  and containers, or disposable products such as
  paper and plastic cups and plates, junk mail,
  trash bags, and tissue papers and towels

2
ACTION Plan events with zero/limited waste from
advertising and the event

• Advertising
• Use electronic resources, Tech, poster with
  already used paper
• Event Waste
• Send handouts electronically, use
  whiteboard/blackboard, reusable tacks, computer
  at entrance, be creative in decorations, display
  recycling, hide trash
• Energy Conservation
• Look for LEED certified rooms, purchase renewable
  energy credits, make sure bike racks and public
  transportation are available
• Participant Education
• Mention before and during event, provide visual
  and verbal

3
ACTION Be creative and work with caterers to
plan event

• Servingware
• Recyclable, compostable, reusable
• Excess food
• Compost, donate, free-food_at_mit.edu
• Finger food is always easy
• Please see zero waste guide and feel free to
  contact me kathreen_at_mit.edu if you have any
  questions