As I was working on finalizing the details of the zero waste program for Indy VegFest this year, it struck me how zero waste is more than a sustainability problem.
It’s a psychology problem.
I’m using the word “problem” here like “math problem”—a challenge that has a solution, something that can be figured out.
But how to find the best solution?
Event professionals are deeply familiar with human behavior. That’s why they add buffer to registration deadlines, use decor to control traffic flow, and control mood with music and lighting.
Event professionals know how people work, especially in crowds, because they’ve worked with large groups of people over and over again.
But what if you introduce an element that you don’t have experience with? Like recycling?
From the experience of zero waste professionals, there are a few techniques that have consistently proven to help guide guests towards sustainable behavior:
- Always group recycling and trash bins together in waste stations. Never place a trash bin alone.
- Locate waste stations near doors, food & beverage service, and high-traffic areas.
- Post clear signs with words and pictures showing what goes in each bin.
But there are other aspects of zero waste events that we don’t have as much data about. The more subtle details related to how people think about waste.
These are the details I’m constantly working to refine.
One thing I spend a lot of time on is categorizing waste to enable clear communication to guests and staff. I find out what waste will be in circulation, then sort those items into groups.
This process challenges me to determine how most people will mentally describe a piece of waste. For example, I may know a plate is made of compostable sugarcane bagasse, but would the average person just see it as a white paper plate?
It takes a bit of experimentation. But with every zero waste program I do, I get more data about the categorization, phrasing and other details that make sustainability easy for every guest and staff member.
Don’t psych yourself out. Create a sustainable event you’ll be proud of with my proven zero waste process.