Zero Waste Event

A Zero Waste Event (or "ZeeWee" as it has been nicknamed) is one in which event organizers plan ahead to reduce solid waste from the event, reuse various elements such as banners, and set up recycling for those recyclable materials such as paper cups, food scraps, and plastic water bottles that are generated by the event. ZeeWees can range from large scale sports events to weddings and parties.

Background

As sustainability becomes ever more accepted as a concept within organizations and communities across the nation, the idea of Zero Waste Events is spreading. Additionally, the steady expansion of recycling and commercial composting infrastructure makes it possible to offer recycling and food composting at events in many locations.

Strategy

ZeeWee's utilize many if not all of the following strategies.

Front-end Waste Prevention

• Eliminating race packets in favor of emailed sponsor coupons for participants;
• Eliminating commercial bottled water distribution in favor of bulk water stations and compostable cups;
• Purchasing recycled content products, from event t-shirts to paper products; and
• Providing discounted entries or incentives for participants who travel to the event using alternative transportation

Reuse of Event Equipment

• Reusable, weatherproof banners and stands;
• Adaptable date panels on banners and signs so they can be reused year after year; and
• Use of durable dishware "lending libraries" instead of always buying disposables.

Recycling Event Materials

• Many items from food-soiled paper, cardboard, bottles and cans, plastic tarps to corrugated polypropylene signs can be recycled depending on the services available in a given municipality or county. In many cases such services are less costly than disposal of the same items; and
• Where programs require subsidy, ZeeWee organizers may use a "green fee" to help move the event toward sustainability by paying for waste reduction, buying recycled products, or more recently purchasing carbon offsets.