Green Event Planning Tips

MUSC Environmental Sustainability Event Checklist for Student Events

 As part of MUSC’s commitment to creating a sustainable campus environment, students, faculty, and staff are encouraged to plan and execute events that support this commitment. The Environmental Guidelines were developed by the Dept of Student Life and this checklist was created to assist us and to raise awareness of our environmental responsibilities.

Planning and Organizing
 Identify an individual or small group to ensure that planning choices are aligned with MUSC’s environmental sustainability commitment

Attendees
 Go paperless: Implement a virtual invitation and/or create a web-based invitation
 Include suggestions for attendees in publicity (e.g., bring your own mug, etc.)
 Promote and incentivize alternative transportation (e. g., carpooling, bicycle, walking, buses, etc.)
 Consider shuttle service from mass transit stops or hotels to the event site
 Provide website for handouts or information rather than hard copies

Venue
 Hold the event during the day and in a location that will take advantage of natural lighting (when possible)
 Hold the event in a central location to minimize transportation impact

Vendors
 Identify and contract with vendors and sponsors who implement “green” practices
 Use locally grown/produced foods
 Use reusable (or if not possible) biodegradable glasses, dishes, cutlery, etc.
 Avoid individually wrapped salt/pepper/condiments

On-Site
 Create signage that can be reused for annual and/or similar events (avoid printing dates/times/locations)
 Collect and reuse supplies including badge holders, etc.
 Coordinate with the MUSC Sustainability Coordinator to ensure the appropriate number and types of recycling containers are available
 Provide shuttle service from mass transit stops or hotels to the event site.
 Plan food service needs to avoid unnecessary waste.
 Encourage attendees to take excess food with them (provide appropriate containers) and/or donate excess food to charitable organizations.
 Collect unused items for use at a future event.

Post-event
 Maintain an event log, documenting the number of trash bags used, napkins, etc. to track impact over time
 Provide volunteers, vendors, and attendees with the opportunity to suggest additional ways the event could become more environmentally friendly
 Evaluate environmental impact of event; post to website