How to Reduce Environmental Impacts at Your Company Picnic
As a company picnic specialist, we understand the importance of not only creating enjoyable and memorable events but also minimizing our environmental footprint. In this blog post, we will share practical tips and strategies on how to reduce environmental impacts at your next company picnic. By making conscious choices and incorporating eco-friendly practices, we can contribute to a more sustainable and environmentally responsible event.
Choose a Green Venue:
Opt for outdoor venues that offer natural beauty and minimal environmental disruption. Look for locations that have sustainable practices in place, such as recycling programs, energy-efficient facilities, or LEED-certified buildings. We’ve worked with picnic locations all over the country, here are our recommendations for the best picnic spots. Whether you’re hosting Will Rogers State Park events at the beach or a picnic anywhere else in the country, we coordinate picnics everywhere. A favorite of our event planners, Brea boasts OC’s only coastal redwood forest in Carbon Canyon Regional Park. A location like this is definitely very green.
Top “Green” Spots for a Company Picnic
- Local Park
- Local Beach
- Nature Center
- Green Spaces at Your Facilities
- Your Parking Lot
- Your Warehouse
By staying local, you’ll reduce the waste produced by traveling guests.
Bonus Idea: Consider hosting your picnic at a local reforesting area. By including guests to plant trees they’ll make an positive impact on the environment. Re-treeing a local park or open space will also give guests a place to return to each year and see the growth of their tree!
Mindful Menu Planning:
Work with catering partners (like ours) who prioritize sustainability. Opt for locally sourced, organic, and seasonal ingredients to reduce the carbon footprint associated with food transportation. We offer vegetarian or vegan options to accommodate different dietary preferences and reduce the environmental impact of meat production. With all-new plant based options, eating green can taste as good as the real thing!
Other Ways to Reduce Your Menu’s Carbon Footprint
- Eat Locally Sourced Foods
- Prioritize Seasonal and Organic Options
- Reduce Food Waste with Made-to-Order Options
- Opt for Eco-friendly Packaging
- Use Recyclable and/or Composable Materials
- Efficient Energy and Water Use
- Use Fuel-Efficient Vehicles & Carpool Staff
- Remove Straws & Single Use Plastics
More Specific Examples: We offer palm left bowls, bamboo culterly, recycled paper plates and suggest passing out reusable branded cups or bottles for your picnic. We also recycle at all of our picnics and request staff carpool to reduce emissions (and improve parking for your guests).
Sustainable Activities:
Incorporate eco-friendly and nature-focused activities into your picnic. Arrange nature walks, team-building exercises that promote environmental awareness, or educational sessions on sustainable practices. Consider partnering with local environmental organizations or offering volunteer opportunities during the event.
More Sustainable Ideas for Picnic Activities
- Plant Trees or Host a Beach Cleanup
- Incorporate Field Games
- Use Solar Powered Generators for Inflatables
- “Green” Themed Team Building Activities like:
- Water Shed Relay
- Recycle Sort Race
- Carbon Bigfoot
Environmentally Conscious Prizes
When planning a company picnic with an environmental focus, consider offering prizes that align with sustainability and promote eco-friendly practices. Below are some environmentally conscious prize ideas.
Eco-Friendly Prizes
- Reusable Water Bottles
- Organic or Local Food Baskets
- Sustainable Tote Bags
- Seed Packets or Plantable Gifts
- Solar-Powered Chargers
- Eco-friendly Office Supplies
- Outdoor Adventure Gear
- Sustainable Personal Care Products
These prizes promote sustainability, reduce waste, support local and organic practices, and encourage eco-friendly habits among employees. Find our list of 100 raffle prize ideas for even more great give-a-ways.
Go Digital
Minimize paper waste by using digital invitations, event registration, and information dissemination. Utilize event management software or apps for RSVPs and communication (we offer free basic RSVP services for every picnic, ask your picnic specialist for details). Provide digital handouts or use screens instead of printing materials for presentations or schedules. QR codes can be printed and added to tables, banners, and stations to further communicate with guests about the menu ingredients, offerings, schedule of events and more.
Ways to Use Technology to Reduce Waste at Picnics
- Digital Invitations
- Event Registration Apps
- Digital Signage
- Electronic Payment Systems
- Gamify Recycling and Waste Management with an App
- QR Menus & Ingredient lists
- Virtual or Hybrid Event Elements
- Event Feedback Surveys
By incorporating these technology-driven practices, you can significantly reduce waste, promote sustainability, and create a more eco-friendly company picnic experience.
Carbon Null Practices
By adopting environmentally conscious practices, you can host a company picnic that aligns with your organization’s commitment to sustainability. Emphasizing eco-friendly choices in venue selection, menu planning, waste management, transportation, activities, and embracing digital solutions will contribute to a greener event. Together, we can create memorable experiences while protecting the planet for future generations.
Remember, every small step towards reducing environmental impacts counts, and your company picnic can make a positive difference in building a more sustainable future.
Plan Your Eco-Friendly Picnic
Here at A Company Picnic we have a special relationship with our local parks and recreational spaces. Help us to support their future by implementing these best practices. Want an even more specific Eco-friendly approach to your company picnic? Contact our specialists today and we will create a customized proposal that meets your goals within your budget.
PLAN YOUR PERFECT PICNIC
2023 A Company Picnic Division of Event Solutions