Introduction

Planning an event can be exciting, but it’s also important to consider the environmental impact. By adopting a zero-waste and zero-plastic approach, you can contribute to a healthier planet and set a positive example for others. Uneako, a brand dedicated to sustainable living, offers a range of eco-friendly products and solutions to help you achieve a more sustainable event and conference.

Understanding Zero Waste and Zero Plastic

• Zero Waste: This means producing as little waste as possible, either by reducing consumption or recycling and composting materials.
• Zero Plastic: This involves eliminating single-use plastic items from your event, such as plastic plates, cups, cutlery, and decorations.

10 Products that make your Event and Conference Zero-Waste and Zero-Plastic

1. Replace Single-Use Plastic Straws with Stainless Steel Straws

Plastic straws are a major contributor to plastic waste. Start your event by offering attendees Uneako’s stainless steel straw set, which includes both straight and bent straws, plus a cleaner, all packed in a cotton pouch with a coconut button. These are stylish, reusable, and completely eco-friendly.

2. Use Reusable Bamboo Bottles Instead of Plastic

Instead of handing out plastic water bottles, provide Uneako’s bamboo bottles. These bottles not only reduce plastic waste but also add an eco-chic touch to your event. Reusable, durable, and made from natural materials, they serve as the perfect takeaway for attendees, reinforcing your commitment to sustainability.

3. Switch to Eco-Biodegradable Conference ID Cards

Conference badges and lanyards are traditionally made from plastic and synthetic materials. Swap them for Uneako’s biodegradable ID cards made from recycled kraft paper, paired with 100% cotton woven lanyards. These alternatives help reduce waste while adding a unique, rustic touch to your event.

4. Offer Plantable Diaries for Note-Taking

Encourage your attendees to take notes on Uneako’s recycled diaries with plantable pages. After the conference, these diaries can be planted, contributing to reforestation efforts. These notebooks offer a great way to reduce paper waste and engage participants in sustainable practices beyond the event.

5. Provide Eco-Friendly Joining Kits for Staff and Speakers

If you’re organizing a conference or event, provide the staff, speakers, or VIP attendees with Uneako’s sustainable employee joining kit. This kit includes a bamboo pen, a plantable recycled pages diary, a cotton keychain, and a customizable wooden card holder. It’s the perfect mix of functionality and eco-consciousness.

6. Opt for Recycled Paper for Conference Certificates

Rather than printing certificates on plastic-laminated paper, use Uneako’s eco-friendly certificates. These are printed on recycled paper, giving them a beautiful natural brown hue. The certificates are chemical- and plastic-free, making your event’s awards and recognitions as sustainable as they are memorable.

7. Replace Plastic Tote Bags with Canvas or Jute Bags

For event goodie bags, skip the plastic and offer Uneako’s customizable canvas tote bags or premium jute handbags. These bags are durable, reusable, and made from 100% natural fibers. They can also be screen-printed or digitally printed with your event’s branding, offering long-lasting exposure while promoting your green values.

8. Distribute Sustainable Business Cards in Mini Jute Pouches

Networking is key at conferences, and business cards are still widely used. For your eco-conscious event, choose Uneako’s biodegradable business cards made from recycled materials. You can present them in a mini jute cotton pouch, which is not only reusable but also adds a touch of sophistication and sustainability.

9. Serve Beverages with Bamboo Stir Sticks

Instead of offering plastic stirrers for coffee or cocktails, switch to bamboo stir sticks. *Uneako’s bamboo products, like their *‘Naad’ bamboo amplifier, showcase the versatility of bamboo as a sustainable material. Bamboo stir sticks are biodegradable, durable, and add a rustic feel to your event’s beverage stations.

10. Make Your Event Zero Plastic with Kraft Paper Bags

Whenever materials or gifts need to be handed out, avoid plastic bags altogether. Use Uneako’s kraft paper recycled bags instead. These bags are made from 100% recycled paper and are both sturdy and eco-friendly. You can also customize them with your event’s branding for a personalized touch.

Additional General Tips for Hosting a Zero-Plastic Event

While using eco-friendly products is key, there are other practical steps you can take to ensure your event is as sustainable as possible:

A) Ban Single-Use Plastic :

One of the simplest and most effective ways to go plastic-free is to eliminate all single-use plastic items from your event. This includes plastic cutlery, plates, cups, and packaging. Encourage your vendors and partners to follow suit.

B) Encourage Guests to Bring Reusable Items :

Let your attendees know in advance that your event is plastic-free. Encourage them to bring their own reusable water bottles, coffee mugs, and even cloth bags for any giveaways. You could offer a reward or discount for those who participate.

C) Provide Water Stations Instead of Bottled Water :

Install water stations around your venue where attendees can refill their bottles instead of using plastic bottles. You can also offer branded bamboo or stainless steel bottles as part of the event welcome kit.

D) Set Up Recycling Stations :

Make it easy for guests to dispose of their waste responsibly by providing clearly marked recycling bins throughout the venue. Ensure you separate plastic, paper, and compostable materials to minimize contamination of recyclables.

E) Choose a Venue that Prioritizes Sustainability:

When selecting a venue, choose one that already follows sustainable practices. Many venues now offer green certifications, use renewable energy, or have waste management systems that align with eco-friendly values.

F) Offer Plantable Invitations or Digital Invitations

Rather than sending plastic-wrapped invitations, send out *plantable invites* or simply go digital. Plantable invitations are biodegradable and can grow into plants, making them a fun and eco-friendly alternative to paper or plastic.

G) Partner with Sustainable Caterers :

Food and beverage packaging can generate a lot of waste. Partner with caterers who use sustainable packaging, compostable plates and cutlery, and source organic, local ingredients. Avoid single-use plastic wrappers and plastic cups wherever possible.

Conclusion: Build a Legacy of Sustainability

By integrating eco-friendly practices and products like those from Uneako, you can turn your events and conferences into models of sustainability. From swapping plastic straws for stainless steel ones to offering biodegradable business cards, small changes can have a massive impact. You’ll not only reduce waste but also inspire attendees to adopt these changes in their personal lives, extending your event’s environmental influence long after it’s over.

Make a lasting impact on both your guests and the planet by hosting zero-plastic events and conferences.