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.

The Business Case for Sustainability: Communicating Your Strategy in an Evolving Landscape

By Julie Starr • February 17, 2025
A shifting political landscape can create uncertainty for businesses committed to sustainability, but one thing remains clear: the need for transparency and strategic communication has never been greater. As the federal government moves to roll back environmental and social policies, companies must proactively define their sustainability strategies, ensuring stakeholders—employees, customers, investors, and partners—understand their commitments and the business value they create. The Power of Clear Communication Sustainability is not a trend; it’s an imperative driven by economic, environmental, and social realities. Despite policy shifts, the forces of market demand, global regulation, and risk mitigation continue to push companies forward. To maintain momentum, organizations should : Clarify Their Sustainability Position: Companies must articulate their approach in ways that resonate with stakeholders. Whether reducing emissions, improving supply chain resilience, or advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts, leaders should communicate clearly how these strategies align with long-term business success. Leverage Data-Driven Insights: In an era of skepticism, relying on factual, measurable sustainability outcomes strengthens credibility. Stakeholders need more than broad commitments—they need clear, quantifiable impacts. Maintain Focus on Global Markets: While federal policies may change, international regulations and customer expectations continue to favor sustainable business models. Companies operating across borders must ensure their sustainability strategies align with evolving global standards. Staying the Course in a Changing Environment While some companies may feel pressure to scale back sustainability efforts in response to shifting political winds, leading organizations recognize that progress is a long-term game. Now is not the time to retreat but to double down on: Resilient Supply Chains: With new tariffs and policy changes affecting imports, companies should evaluate how sustainability-driven supply chain diversification can reduce risk and enhance efficiency. Operational Decarbonization: The financial and strategic benefits of decarbonization—from renewable energy investments to energy-efficient operations—remain strong, independent of policy shifts. Workforce and Customer Engagement: Employees and consumers increasingly expect businesses to uphold their values. Companies that maintain commitments to social responsibility and environmental impact will strengthen brand loyalty and attract top talent. Sustainability leadership is about more than responding to regulatory shifts—it’s about defining the future. Companies that stay the course, communicate effectively, and align their sustainability strategies with business objectives will be the ones that thrive in the years ahead.

Connecting the Dots: Air Quality, Climate Messaging, and Stakeholder Engagement

By Julie Starr • February 7, 2025
I n a world increasingly affected by environmental change, it’s critical to recognize the everyday impacts of air pollution beyond the commonly cited respiratory and cardiovascular risks. A recent study, published in Nature Communications , reveals that even short-term exposure to air pollution can impair cognitive function, affecting focus, emotional recognition, and task performance. This groundbreaking research underscores the urgent need for effective climate communication and stakeholder engagement to address air quality issues. At Taiga Company, we specialize in climate-focused stakeholder engagement, helping organizations bridge the gap between scientific findings and actionable change. Our services provide a crucial platform for educating stakeholders—including businesses, policymakers, and communities—on the dangers of air pollution and the strategic steps needed to mitigate its effects.  The Link Between Air Quality and Cognitive Function The study found that exposure to high concentrations of particulate matter, even for just an hour, reduced participants' ability to maintain focus, process emotions accurately, and avoid distractions. Such cognitive impairments can have profound implications in workplace productivity, education, and public safety. For instance, employees working in environments with poor air quality may experience diminished concentration, leading to decreased efficiency and increased errors. Similarly, students exposed to air pollution may struggle with academic performance due to impaired attention and emotional regulation. These insights reinforce the idea that air pollution is not just an environmental concern but a societal and economic one, requiring a holistic approach to policy, corporate responsibility, and community engagement. The Role of Climate Messaging in Air Quality Awareness Despite overwhelming scientific evidence, public awareness of air pollution’s cognitive and behavioral impacts remains limited. This is where strategic climate messaging becomes essential. Effective communication can: Translate complex scientific research into accessible, actionable insights for diverse audiences. Drive policy advocacy by equipping decision-makers with data-backed arguments for stricter air quality regulations. Encourage behavioral change among businesses and individuals by highlighting solutions, such as cleaner transportation, sustainable energy sources, and indoor air quality improvements. However, simply disseminating information is not enough. Stakeholder engagement ensures that communities, businesses, and policymakers are not just informed but also motivated and equipped to take action. Moving Forward: A Collective Responsibility The study’s findings make one thing clear: air pollution is not just an environmental issue—it’s a cognitive and social issue with wide-reaching consequences. As we navigate an increasingly complex climate landscape, it’s crucial to integrate air quality concerns into broader discussions on sustainability, health, and productivity. At Taiga Company, we believe that effective stakeholder engagement is the key to transforming awareness into action. By educating businesses, policymakers, and communities, we can drive the changes necessary to create a healthier, more sustainable future for all. To learn more about how Taiga Company can help your organization develop impactful climate communication and stakeholder engagement strategies, contact us today.
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