Sustainability is more than just a trend—it’s a responsibility shared by individuals, businesses, and industries alike. At Alastair Currie Events, we believe in creating unforgettable experiences that not only delight guests but also respect and protect our environment. Whether you’re hosting a corporate gathering or a private celebration, there are countless ways to make your event more eco-friendly. Based in Bristol and serving the South West, we’re here to help you celebrate responsibly.
Here are our top tips for planning a sustainable event that leaves a lasting impression—on your guests, not the planet.
1. Define Your Sustainability Goals
Before diving into the details, start by setting clear sustainability goals. Do you want to reduce waste? Conserve energy? Support local businesses? Having these objectives in place from the beginning helps guide your decisions and keeps your eco-conscious vision front and centre.
2. Choose the Right Venue
Your choice of venue can significantly impact the sustainability of your event. Look for locations that:
- Are close to your guest list to minimise travel
- Use renewable energy or have recycling and waste-reduction initiatives in place
- Offer outdoor spaces, which often require less lighting and energy if you are considering hosting a day event
To explore sustainable venues in Bristol and the South West, visit our Venues Page. Our sister company, CMC Marquees, also provides marquees with excellent environmental credentials for outdoor events.
3. Use Sustainable Materials
Thoughtful material choices go a long way toward reducing environmental impact:
- Upcycle or reuse décor and props from past events
- Source reusable items like tableware and decorations from local suppliers
- Avoid single-use plastics; opt for biodegradable or compostable alternative
Every small change adds up to a more sustainable celebration.
3. Minimise Transportation Impact
Transportation is a major contributor to event-related emissions. You can reduce your event’s carbon footprint by:
- Working with local suppliers for catering, décor, and entertainment (check out our trusted network here)
- Encouraging guests to carpool or use public transport
- Organising group travel options, such as shared buses—especially effective for corporate group
5. Opt for Eco-Friendly Catering
Food waste accounts for around 8% of global greenhouse gas emissions, so catering is a crucial consideration. Choose caterers who:
- Use locally sourced and organic ingredients
- Offer plant-based menu options
- Plan portions carefully to minimise food waste
- Provide composting options for leftovers
We’re proud to work with a number of local caterers, who share our commitment to sustainable dining.
6. Reduce Waste
Plan ahead to manage waste efficiently:
- Set up clearly marked recycling, general waste, and compost bins
- Work with staff and suppliers to ensure proper disposal
- Aim to send as little to landfill as possible
Simple planning can significantly reduce your event’s environmental footprint.
7. Measure and Share Your Impact
Quantifying your event’s environmental impact helps you track progress and inspires others to follow suit. Share your efforts and results with attendees and stakeholders—it’s a great way to build your brand’s reputation and encourage others to think sustainably, especially for recurring events.
Make Sustainability Part of the Celebration
Planning an eco-friendly event isn’t just the right thing to do—it’s a chance to lead by example and inspire meaningful change. With the right partners, sustainable celebrations are both achievable and memorable.
At Alastair Currie Events, sustainability is at the heart of what we do. Whether you’re planning a wedding, party, or corporate event, we’re here to help you make it greener every step of the way.
Want to plan a more sustainable event? Get in touch with us today to find out how we can help.
