Sustainability is a crucial responsibility for everyone in modern times, but companies that operate within the food industry are in the position to have a huge effect on the matter – negative or positive.
At Catering by Michaels, we recognize the great potential there is for both biodegradable and non-biodegradable waste contributions for every event we cater. As such, we believe we have a larger than average responsibility to support sustainable development.
Catering by Michaels cares about sustainability. The proof is in the fact that we’re Green Seal Certified and Green Restaurant Certified – the only caterer in the world that can make the claim for both certifications. Sustainability factors into everything we do, and our company’s efforts range from:
• Waste minimization
• Energy efficiency
• Water efficiency
• Purchasing
We are also direct influences on employee commuting and education. By encouraging sustainable best practices beyond expectations on the job, our efforts can have a much bigger impact.
Now that you understand the high-level view of our commitment to sustainability, let’s take a look at easy ways to make your event more sustainable.
Start with the invite.
Paper invites are nice, but tend to get thrown out after a quick glance at RSVP details. Opt instead to send digital invites via email. If you still think a paper invite is something you’d like, make it sustainable by choosing a design printed on recycled paper, or even better, try seed paper!
Bring it outside.
There’s really no way to make your event more sustainable than this! By hosting your event outside, you mitigate unnecessary use of electricity. Obviously, the ability to comfortably enjoy the great outdoors varies by weather and season, but we’re sure your guests will enjoy being outside if they can!
Location, location, location.
If possible, host your event close to an area with easy access to public transportation. Also, encourage guests to bike or walk if it makes sense. Even the smallest efforts can have a big impact on reducing carbon emissions when considered concurrently.
Eat local.
A painless way to add a sustainable edge to your next event is to offer food from a local purveyor. Food that doesn’t have to make a long trip to get to you means less of a carbon footprint! Besides that, supporting local businesses is an easy way to be a great member of your community.
Incorporate dinnerware.
Nowadays, there is a wide selection of attractive disposable dinnerware options that are eco-friendly, biodegradable, and made of recycled materials. Another option is to offer guests reusable dinnerware that can be repurposed for another event in the future! If you host events often, this investment is a no-brainer.
Recycle and compost.
It may seem obvious, but one of the easiest ways to be sustainable is to make it easy for event attendees to recycle. Just by having properly marked recyclable and composting containers can have a big impact on sustainable actions taken by guests. By encouraging these practices, you’re making quite an impact and easily make your event more sustainable.
Sustainability is a monumental cause that calls for collective effort, and businesses should act as the spearhead in taking responsibility for it. But individual efforts can be just as important as an organized, collective effort. Catering by Michaels’ commitment to sustainability balances these two inputs.
Now that you’ve had a chance to see some easy ways to make your event more sustainable, what changes will you make for your next event?
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