Fundraising events are wonderful for connecting with your community of supporters, but can also create waste. Fortunately there are many ways you can help encourage eco-friendly practices when planning your event. Here are 10 simple ideas to help make your nonprofit's next fundraising event greener, courtesy of our friends at Event 360.

  1. Apparel. If you're offering a t-shirt or other souvenir item, be sure to use eco-friendly apparel including organic cotton, bamboo and recycled polyester.
  2. Bottled water. Avoid serving individual bottled water. Encourage participants and spectators to bring their own reusable water bottles (ex: Klean Kanteen, Nalgene) or use biodegradable recyclable plastic water bottles. Also consider providing compostable cups for water service at rest stops or water stations.
  3. Styrofoam. Make your event styrofoam-free.
  4. Recycle. Provide marked recycling containers throughout your venue. Use recycling bins that are visually different from other waste receptacles. Use clear plastic bags as liners for recycling bins for easy identification and removal of contaminants. Use opaque black bags in garbage bins. Don't forget to compost when appropriate! 
  5. Train. Know the local rules for recycling & composting. Train volunteers about procedure and restrictions. Post volunteers near all recycling bins to monitor deposits.
  6. Go paperless. Consider whether or not your event materials can be viewed on the event website instead of being printed and mailed. You can manage ticketing and attendee communication all online with Network for Good's online events processing service, EventsNow powered by givezooks!
  7. Reuse. When printing is necessary, print materials on recycled paper. Print double-sided when possible. Use soy-based ink. Consider designing your signs and other placards so they could be used for more than one event.
  8. Transportation. Choose sites that are accessible by public transit and are bike friendly. Promote transportation alternatives. Encourage the use of public transportation, ride-sharing, fuel-efficient vehicles, cycling and walking.
  9. CO2. If car and air travel are necessary to attend your event, encourage participants and spectators to offset their CO2 emissions by purchasing carbon credits.
  10. Biodiesel. Look into biodiesel fuel for trucks, busses and diesel generators.

Event 360 is the nation’s leading designer and director of fundraising, advocacy and awareness events for nonprofits. In six years we have worked with our clients to raise more than a third of a billion dollars. For more information, visit http://www.event360.com/.