The Big Three

1 Reduce
2 Re-use & Recycle
3 Reinvest

1
Reduce

The first part of Waste Management in the Waste Neutral chain is to Reduce the amount of waste brought in and generated by the production of your event. This can be achieved by careful procurement and the use of sustainable resources.

Some examples of how will Reduce:

  • Accurate purchasing and economic specifications.
  • Source local, organic goods.
  • If you must source goods abroad make sure they are fair-trade.
  • Purchase goods that contain recycled content.
  • Purchase goods that are supplied with limited packaging.
  • Don’t purchase disposables – only recyclable or re-usable goods.
  • Use sustainable FSC (Forest Steward Certified) wood for set build and graphics.
  • Buy lead free paints and VOC free solvents*.
  • Install natural fibre flooring instead of Polypropylene carpet.
  • Provide biodegradable sanitary products.

    • * VOCs are Volatile Organic Compounds that vaporise under normal conditions and enter the atmosphere. Common VOCs are aldehydes, ketones and hydrocarbons, and some common artificial sources of VOCs include paint thinners, dry cleaning solvents and some constituents of petroleum fuels.

    2
    Re-use & Recycle

    Once everything possible has been done to Reduce the amount of waste created by the purchasing and production stages of your event, the second part of the Waste Neutral cycle is to manage what then happens to any existing or event generated waste. This will be achieved through efforts to Re-use & Recycle wherever possible.

    Some examples of how this may be achieved are:

  • Recycle all event and catering waste.
  • Use recycled glassware where possible.
  • Lay re-usable carpet.
  • Stock re-usable flattage.
  • Minimise set build waste.
  • Store stock linings instead of using tack off disposable marquee linings.
  • Print banners on natural fabrics or recycled materials.
  • Produce branded and re-useable cotton bags.


    • 3
    Reinvest

    This is the final stage in the Waste Management and Waste Neutral chain, and in some cases will help to close the circle.

    There are various ways can help you to Reinvest:
  • Reinvest in goods made from recycled materials.
  • Make new products from junk materials left over from your event.
  • Pass on used materials that your event no longer needs to local community projects.
  • Reinvest in suppliers that provide sustainable products.
  • Reinvest in venues that strive to be sustainable.
  • Reinvest in environmental projects.
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