Knowledge Base

When planning and running events, it’s important to consider sustainability to reduce the environmental impact. The University of Melbourne Student Union (UMSU) supports sustainable practices in all event planning, in line with the university’s sustainability goals. This guide provides key tips to incorporate sustainable practices into your event, from catering to waste management.

1. Sustainable Catering

• Choose Local & Seasonal: Select local suppliers who use fresh, seasonal produce. This reduces the carbon footprint associated with food transportation.
  
• Opt for Plant-Based Options: Aim for at least 80% vegetarian or vegan dishes. Plant-based meals generally have a smaller environmental impact compared to meat-based dishes.
  
• Use Social Enterprises: Support local social enterprises or businesses that employ disadvantaged groups or have an environmental focus.
  
• Minimise Packaging: Choose caterers who offer bulk catering or use reusable serving dishes, avoiding single-use plastic packaging or individually wrapped items.
  
• Catering Waste: Ensure your caterers have plans for food waste disposal or donation. Consider donating leftover food to local charities or arranging for composting services.
  

2. Reusable Cutlery & Tableware

• Avoid Single-Use Items: Rather than using disposable cutlery, plates, and cups, hire reusable options. Our campus offers event kits with reusable items that can be washed and returned.
  
• Encourage Bring-Your-Own: Encourage attendees to bring their own water bottles or coffee cups to cut down on single-use packaging.
  

3. Freebies & Gifts

• Choose Meaningful, Sustainable Gifts: Instead of disposable giveaways, offer gifts with long-term value, like potted plants, reusable water bottles, or sustainable lifestyle items (e.g., lunch wraps, shopping bags).
  
• Support Ethical Products: Choose products that are certified organic, fair trade, or made from recycled materials.
  
• Plant a Tree or Adopt an Animal: As a sustainable gift option, consider donating to environmental or animal charities on behalf of your attendees, such as planting trees or supporting wildlife conservation.
  

4. Waste Reduction & Management

• Plan for Waste Disposal: Make sure your event has enough recycling and waste bins to separate recyclables, food waste, and landfill items. Consider hiring compostable bins for organic waste. Events team can help you with this.
  
• Minimise Paper Waste: Use digital resources for event materials, such as online invitations, digital programs, and e-sign-in sheets. If physical materials are necessary, opt for recycled paper.
  
• Reduce Decorations Waste: Instead of using disposable decorations like plastic balloons or streamers, choose reusable or natural alternatives such as fabric banners, plants, or flowers that can be repurposed.
  

5. Educate & Engage Attendees

• Promote Sustainability: Clearly communicate your event’s sustainability goals to attendees. Encourage them to bring their own reusables, use sustainable transport options, and minimise waste.
  
• Create Awareness During the Event: Display sustainability messages at your event and offer attendees information on the sustainability efforts being made. Use digital signage, QR codes, or presentations to spread the word.
  
• Celebrate Sustainability After the Event: Share your event’s sustainable achievements with your community and the university by sending out a summary or including it in post-event communications.