Lately I’ve been reflecting on my experiences putting on zero waste programs. I find myself smiling about the aspects of the events that felt personally and tangibly satisfying.
I advocate for zero waste events for a number of reasons that benefit the host organization: They demonstrate commitment to sustainable values, produce quantifiable results, and create an opportunity for positive PR.
But in addition to the organizational benefits, there are certain things that just make it feel good to put on a zero waste event.
Here are the three things I find most personally satisfying about the process of executing a zero waste event:
1. Positive comments from guests
When I’ve been on my feet all day monitoring waste stations, nothing renews my energy like hearing a positive comment from an event attendee.
“I’m so glad you’re doing this!”
“This is awesome!”
“Thank you!”
At every event where I’ve put a zero waste program into place, the positive feedback from guests is frequent and enthusiastic. It not only gives me personal energy, but it also reminds me how much value the program adds to the event overall.
2. The empty trash phenomenon
Something my team and I do during zero waste programs is sort trash bins to pull out the recyclable and compostable materials.
One of the best feelings is when we finish sorting a trash bin and it ends up virtually empty, because all of the material could be recycled or composted.
This doesn’t just happen occasionally—it happens multiple times over the course of one event!
I love seeing the “empty trash phenomenon” because it reminds me that waste management doesn’t have to start with trash. Trash can just serve as the catch-all for the very few materials that can’t be recovered and repurposed.
3. Unexpected teamwork
A main focus for me when designing a zero waste program is making sure all stakeholders are aligned and have bought into the zero waste goal.
I always have a little anxiety going into an event. Did I reach everyone I needed to? Does everyone understand the value of the program?
But time and again I’m blown away by the personal investment and participation from everyone involved.
Even if there’s staff I didn’t get the chance to train, they invariably do their best to follow the zero waste guidelines and are willing to learn on the spot so they can help the event reach its goal.
I love seeing a whole team of stakeholders come together in the service of a goal that not only has business value, but that every individual can feel proud to have participated in.