Hosting a Zero Waste* Event
*Zero waste is defined as 90% of event waste is composted or recycled.
First step: work with campus catering
The campus caterer, Chartwells, is currently striving to make all campus events zero waste. This includes using reusable options, when possible, and compostable disposable items. Sometimes menu choices help reduce waste. For example, single-serve items require individual packaging, while bulk items do not. Work with catering to get creative with the food menu options and ask for their advice.
Chartwells offers compostable serviceware for no added cost and when available, will provide condiments in bulk dispensers.
To avoid uneated food waste, order to-go compostable containers for your event, so leftovers can be taken by attendees.
A couple of tricks to making an event zero waste:
- Ask for options that don't require packaging, such as whole fruit in lieu of chips, as well as a wrap or sandwich with no plastic packaging.
- Hot sandwiches are often served in non-compostable foil wrapping. Ask if catering plans to do this for your event or if there are cold sandwich options that don't requite any packaging.
- Ask for the drinks by the gallon, in pitchers or dispensers, instead of single-serve disposable bottles and cans. They offer juices, ice tea, lemonade, water, etc. in this option.
- If single-serve beverages are the best option, avoid items that are packaged in plastic and request only canned beverages. Aluminum is highly recyclable, while plastic uses more energy to be recycled that when created from raw resources.
- Ask for cookies to be provided on a platter if you want them to have something sweet post meal or if you want salty snacks, they can provide you with bowls of chips and pretzels for a minimal cost.
Don't forget to have your food and disposables collected for compost!
All that work that goes into choosing the correct plates, cups, and utensils doesn't matter if the waste is sent ot the landfill!
If your event is being held in the University Center or Simmons Auditorium in the Tepper Quad, include in your set-up instructions that you want compost bins included.
If your event is held elsewhere, you will need to request compost set up the event yourself. Call(412-268-2910) or email (fixit@andrew.cmu.edu) the service response center to request compost bins, lids, and liners and for collection of the compost bags after the event is over.
Interested in more ways to be green? Check out the Scotty Goes Green Certification guides! These provide additional suggestions for zero waste events (as well as other ways to green your workplace).
For more personalized ideas on hosting a zero waste event, contact GreenPractices@andrew.cmu.edu or call 412-268-7858.
