4 Tips for Planning a Sustainable Event

Julie Starr • June 21, 2022



Did you know that the average event has a carbon footprint of 10,000 pounds and the typical event attendee produces nearly 2kg of waste per day? That’s a lot! Whether planning your company’s annual holiday party or hosting an external client as part of your PR strategy, sustainability should be one of your top priorities. The benefits are plentiful: green events increase employee happiness, customer loyalty, and company value. Best of all, implementing sustainable practices for your next event is easier! Read on for some top tips for planning a sustainable event:

Host locally to reduce travel times .

When planning your next event, think about where the best location would be for your Corporate event Venue — both in terms of price and sustainability. Hosting your event locally has many benefits, including reduced travel times. Planning an event in a nearby location cuts down on transportation costs, emissions, and wear-and-tear on the environment. If you’re planning an off-site event, look into carpooling options. Additionally, be sure to factor travel time into your event timeline plan to ensure everything is on time — no one likes a late event!

Rent equipment instead of buying

Hosting an event that requires massive amounts of equipment? Instead of purchasing it, why not consider renting it? Renting equipment is much more sustainable than buying it, even if you plan to use it again. Rental companies must follow strict regulations to ensure that the ability to reuse equipment is not damaged — meaning that renting equipment is much more sustainable than buying it. 

While renting equipment costs more than buying it, that cost is often offset by the fact that you don’t have to store it for years. Plus, you can return the equipment at the end of the event so that it can be used by someone else. Renting equipment also gives you options you may not have had if you had purchased the gear. You can pick the specific equipment you need, and you may even be able to choose the model if the rental company has various options.

Use local suppliers

Looking to build a relationship with a supplier? Consider using a local supplier to help reduce the carbon footprint of your event . Using local suppliers means that the supplier can ship products more efficiently, thereby reducing the CO2 emissions produced by transportation. Plus, it also cuts down on the amount of fuel that needs to be used and the amount of time your products are in transit. In addition to being more environmentally friendly, purchasing products from local suppliers also helps strengthen your company’s relationship with the community. You can find suppliers using a search engine like Google — plug in the type of goods you need and your city, and you’ll find lots of results! If you’re hosting an event and need food or drinks, consider choosing a local supplier to help reduce your event’s carbon footprint.

Go digital

While printed materials are essential during event planning, they aren’t as sustainable. Instead of printing materials, consider going digital. Not only is it more bearable, but it also has the added benefit of saving you money. This is particularly important if you have an event with an extensive guest list. Printing materials for a large number of people is not only a time-consuming project, but it’s also an expensive one. By going digital, you can avoid paying to print a large number of materials. With social media, you can communicate event details , manage RSVPs, and create a hashtag for attendees to use. Email marketing is another excellent way to get the word out about your event. Consider making an email series that promotes both your company and the event. Email marketing is also a great way to keep in touch with event attendees after the event is over.

A Greener Supply Chain with Micro Fulfillment

By Julie Starr • May 23, 2025
A sustainable supply chain is made possible with some major shifts and minor changes that you may not consider at first. One of these is micro fulfillment, where strategically placed warehouses provide streamlined services to a smaller area. So, what are some of the benefits of changing your logistics? From consolidated deliveries to minimal eco-impact, here are a few. Closer Customer Proximity There are a few ways that micro fulfillment centers are revolutionizing the courier industry. Reduced emissions, local sourcing, and support for urban stability are just three of the many examples. Compact logistics are quickly becoming a solution for businesses that want to make a difference, and through small warehouse space for rent , as and when needed, environmental footprints are diminishing as companies deliver services and goods to a smaller customer area. Consolidated Delivery Options Efficiency is everything in business, but it is even more critical when a company is looking to reduce the environmental impact of its operations. Through a micro-fulfillment system, a business is able to reduce the overall number of trips that a courier has to make. With consolidated deliveries concentrated in a smaller geographic area, there are many more options available that contribute to a lower impact, including efficient use of fuel for lower emissions. A Greener Supply Chain with Route Efficiency A company can make many changes when becoming the green link in the supply chain for a healthier logistical operation. However, an average home delivery round for a standard courier service is 50 miles, with 0.42 miles between each drop-off, producing 181g of carbon each. Focusing on a smaller area through micro fulfillment reduce the associated issues with couriers: Being closer to delivery routes reduces the need for extra shipping options. Electric delivery vehicles can be used as there is no need to recharge them. Knowledge of the area helps with routes as drivers can avoid congested areas. Lower Environmental Impact Of course, all efforts to go green and become more sustainable through logistics are to reduce the environmental impact that a business has on the area. Micro fulfillment contributes to this in a way that a wider operation cannot. Shorter routes and enhanced inventory management actively reduce waste. There is also much less energy used, as micro fulfillment centers are designed to be energy-efficient, and EVs and less transport contribute to emission reduction. Enhanced Socioeconomic Benefits There is also a social and economic impact of a business. An enhanced and more sustainable business using local micro fulfillment centers instantly creates more jobs, helping to prop up the local economy. Of course, the efficiency of this type of logistical operation also results in happier customers, increasing the chance of repeat business. From a business perspective, you demonstrate a commitment to ongoing sustainability , appealing to eco-conscious customers. Summary Being closer to customers for delivery helps create a greener supply chain when used with micro fulfillment centers. Local couriers and employees also know the area and can avoid congested areas for streamlined operations. However, there are also social and economic benefits such as job creation, improved customer experiences, and enhanced brand reputation.

Sustainability in Ecommerce: 3 Ways to Make Progress Where It Matters

By Julie Starr • May 21, 2025
Sustainability is no longer a nice-to-have—it's essential. That’s true across every industry, and ecommerce is no exception. But let’s be honest: building a more sustainable ecommerce business isn’t always straightforward. From packaging to supply chains to last-mile delivery, the challenges are real—and often feel like they’re outside your control. But here’s the good news: sustainable ecommerce is absolutely possible. And it doesn’t have to be all or nothing. Small, strategic shifts can make a meaningful difference—not just for the planet, but for your customers and your brand’s longevity. Here are three actionable ways you can move the needle toward a more environmentally responsible ecommerce business. Choose Sustainable Packaging That Works for People and Planet Packaging is often one of the most visible and wasteful—aspects of ecommerce. From oversized boxes to plastic fillers, the impact adds up fast. But it doesn’t have to. Thoughtful, sustainable packaging design can dramatically reduce your environmental footprint. Start by right-sizing your shipments to reduce excess material and emissions. Opt for recycled, recyclable, or compostable materials that align with circular economy principles. Better yet, one option is to design custom boxes with sustainable materials, for example. These custom packaging solutions eliminate unnecessary layers while enhancing your brand’s presentation. These aren’t just more sustainable choices, they’re smarter ones. Today’s customers care about where materials come from, and where they end up. Your packaging can reflect your commitment to both. Partner with Purpose: Choose Sustainable Suppliers Your supply chain is an extension of your brand and one of the most powerful levers you have to reduce your environmental impact. You could end up using more than a few suppliers when you’re running an ecommerce company . It’s always worth making sure these are as sustainable as possible . While you may not control every aspect of your suppliers’ operations, you do control who you choose to work with. Prioritize suppliers who share your commitment to sustainability. Look for transparency in sourcing, third-party certifications, and a clear track record of environmental and ethical practices. Ask the right questions: Are their materials responsibly sourced? Do they minimize waste and emissions? How do they treat their workforce? Choosing partners who align with your values not only improves the sustainability of your products—it strengthens your brand’s integrity and resilience. When your supply chain reflects your mission, it creates trust and long-term value across your business. Lead with Impact: Promote Environmental Awareness Sustainability doesn’t stop at your supply chain. As an ecommerce business, you have a unique platform to elevate environmental causes and inspire meaningful change within and beyond your operations. Sometimes, it’s just a matter of highlighting and supporting various sustainable initiatives and causes around the world. One powerful way to do this is by supporting organizations and initiatives that align with your values. Whether it’s donating a portion of your profits, partnering with mission-driven nonprofits, or amplifying important causes across your website and social channels, your advocacy matters. By shining a light on solutions and inviting your customers to participate, you strengthen your brand’s purpose and build a community rooted in shared responsibility. This isn’t just good for the planet; it’s good for business. Sustainable ecommerce is entirely possible. With the right mindset and a few strategic shifts, your business can lead with integrity, reduce its footprint, and become part of a much-needed transformation in the digital economy.