Not to long ago, I went to a Staples to purchase a new computer bag. Upon checkout I was asked, “ would you like a bag?”. I immediately thought to myself, “how funny, this lady just asked me if I needed a bag to put my new bag inside.....” Of course I had to make a smart remark, of which we both laughed, and mutually agreed that a bag was unnecessary.
As I returned to my vehicle, the phrase, “Reduce, Re-Use, Recycle” had come to mind. It dawned on me that I had engaged in the 1st step of the phrase,”Reduce”. Though a small step, it got me thinking. Edible bags........ Just Kidding!!!
What are event companies doing to reduce? Are audio-visual providers using too much electricity....? Are caterers using plastic cups, that end up in the trash anyways......? We could go on and on.
I believe that “Reduce” is first in this short list because of it’s importance.
The best recycling is when there is never anything to recycle in the 1st place, and the best re-use program is when there is nothing to re-use.
If you never had to use it in the first place, then you don’t have to re-use it or recycle it.
Reduce:
At Capsicum Pro Audio & Visual most of our equipment is pretty energy efficient. New amplifier technologies have allowed us to achieve very high wattage outputs with little consumption. Lab Gruppen has recently released an amplifier called the 10000Q. This amplifier puts out 10000 watts via four channels and only requires a single 30amp plug. Amazing!! Capsicum mainly uses these amps.
We also do everything we can to remain paperless. And the paper that we do use, is re-used in our office before it is recycled. How often do we print something with an empty back side, which ends up in the trash?
Reducing is also a cash saving option. If you never purchased it, that means you didn’t spend your precious green backs. Making your green event a cost effective one as well.
Here are some reduction ideas for event planners:
*Try clear top tents. They can act as solar heaters in the fall or spring. Reducing the need for heaters. This has worked well for many people until temperatures reach freezing.
*Share photos digitally. No chemicals, wasted paper, or film. Using a dvd, slide show, projected or on television screens, is a great way to share photos.
*Use real china, glasses, and utensils. They’re reusable, and don’t end up in local landfills.
*Donate unserved food to local shelters. Also a great community service, we all hate to see good food thrown away.
*Use caterers who use local, organic and seasonal foods whenever possible. Locally grown food doesn’t have to travel far, reducing energy consumed by transportation. Also stimulating local economies.
Re-Use
I believe that “re-use” is second because it’s not the most energy efficient, but can drastically reduce consumption, and waste.
Have you ever been to a buffet? Your server comes around as you’ve finished your salad, and takes your plate away, and gives you a fresh clean one. How about giving the dishwasher in the back a break.......
If you could get everyone at an event to use their plastic cup twice, you’ve drastically reduced consumption.
At Capsicum Pro Audio & Visual we do everything we can to re-use. It is cost effective, which allows us to pass the savings along to our clients.
Capsicum often runs generators and trucks on bio-diesel, and re-uses our office supplies when possible.
Here are some ideas, that we got from other event planners.
*Use re-usable tablecloths, napkins, and dinner ware. Nothing disposable.
*Bring you own containers for unserved food.
*Use live, potted plants for your decoration. They can be replanted later, and provide an authentic atmosphere.
*Use reusable hand towels in restrooms. These can be embossed for your event.
Recycle
We take the approach that recycling should be your last option. The process of recycling consumes quite a bit of energy. Not to mention, if you have Reduced and Re-Used then recycling is less necessary.
Capsicum Pro Audio & Visual recycles all paper that we have already re-used.
Event planners can place recycling stations throughout the events venue.
Eco Friendly Steps:
*Plan your event near public transportation services.
*Use propane instead of gasoline, or diesel fuel for heat. Propane is non toxic and burns clean. Propane produces less carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons,particle matter, and nitrogen oxide than diesel or gasoline.
*Use products made from sustainable resources, like bamboo. Bamboo is considered one of the most sustainable materials known to man.
*Whatever disposable products you do have to purchase, make sure they are bio-degradable.
Capsicum Pro Audio & Visual is always searching out new ways for our company to continue along the path of eco-friendly, and energy efficient event production.
If you have any questions or would like us to quote your next event, feel free to contact us.
Noah Waldron
