Planning Zero Waste Events: How to Host with Purpose This Earth Day
By Sara in the City | Corporate Event Planner in Houston, TX
As we celebrate Earth Day on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, it’s the perfect moment to rethink how we host events. Whether you're planning a corporate conference, team-building retreat, or company celebration, the events industry plays a significant role in waste production—from single-use materials to food waste and excess swag.
At Sara in the City, we believe great events don’t have to come at the planet’s expense. As a corporate event planner based in Houston, TX (and traveling for events nationwide), we specialize in creating experiences that are both impactful and intentional—including zero waste events.
Here’s how we help our clients plan events that leave lasting memories—not a lasting footprint.
What Is a Zero Waste Event?
A zero waste event aims to divert at least 90% of waste from landfills by rethinking every element—from materials and food to signage and giveaways. It’s about reducing, reusing, and recycling in ways that still deliver a memorable, high-impact experience for your guests.
6 Ways to Plan a Zero Waste Event
1. Ditch the Disposable Swag
Instead of branded stress balls and plastic pens, consider digital gifts, charity donations in each guest’s name, or useful, reusable items like bamboo utensil kits or water bottles.
2. Go Digital with Signage and Agendas
Use event apps, QR codes, or large shared screens to display schedules and maps, instead of printing hundreds of programs and signs.
3. Choose Sustainable Catering Options
Opt for local, seasonal, and plant-based menus, and partner with caterers who use compostable packaging and minimize single-use items. Bonus points for donating leftovers!
4. Eliminate Single-Use Plastics
Provide water refill stations and encourage guests to bring their own bottles—or gift them one at check-in. Ditch plastic utensils and use compostable or reusable options instead.
5. Rent, Don’t Buy
From furniture to décor, renting is almost always more sustainable. We work with trusted rental vendors to keep your event stylish and waste-conscious.
6. Work with a Certified Sustainable Venue
Look for venues that have LEED certification, composting programs, and energy-efficient systems in place.
Bonus: Make Zero Waste Part of the Experience
Educate guests with signage about your event’s sustainable practices, and even add a green activation like a mini seed-planting station, a zero waste workshop, or carbon offset challenge.
Your guests will leave feeling inspired—and your brand will stand out as one that cares.
Let’s Make Earth Day More Than Just a Date
Sustainability isn’t a trend—it’s a responsibility. As a Houston-based corporate event planner with national reach, Sara in the City is proud to help clients create unforgettable, planet-friendly events all year long.
Ready to plan a sustainable event your guests (and the planet) will thank you for?
Let’s make your next gathering smart, stylish, and zero waste.
