13 sustainable ideas to make your next London event more eco-friendly

The UK events industry churns out over 100,000 tonnes of waste every year—including a whopping 20% of food that goes straight in the bin. That’s a lot of sad salads and soggy sandwiches. But what if your next event could leave behind nothing but great memories—and maybe a stray balloon or two?

Here’s the good news: creating a sustainable event isn’t just possible, it’s surprisingly easy (and often cheaper than you’d think). 

Here are 13 sustainable ideas to make your next event kinder to the planet:

1. Ditch the paper
2. Be selective with the venue 
3. Make it an outdoor event 
4. Tackle guest transport 
5. Rethink your waste 
6. Say no to single-use 
7. Banish the bottled water 
8. Design with reuse in mind
9. Find a home for leftovers
10. Source what you can locally 
11. Be mindful with marketing materials 
12. Get guests involved 
13. Make your swag more sustainable 

How to make your event more sustainable 

If you’re wondering how to make an event more sustainable or looking for fresh ideas, these tips are your starting point. Whether you’re planning a conference, a gala, or a wedding in London or beyond, sustainability doesn’t have to be complicated. 

From going digital to choosing local suppliers, these 13 clever tips will help you make any event more sustainable—without sacrificing the fun.

1. Ditch the paper and go digital

Skip paper invites, printed tickets, and handouts. Go digital with e-vites, online RSVPs, and mobile check-ins. Need to send a map or a last-minute update? Easy peasy. It’s all on their phone.

Not only does it reduce waste, but it’s way more convenient for guests. Even post-event thank-yous, feedback, and photo sharing feel smoother online.

2. Be selective with the venue 

Choose a venue that actually acts sustainably (and doesn’t just talk about it). Start by looking for certifications like LEED, BREEAM, or Green Globe. But don’t just take their word for it. 

Ask about their sustainability practices. Do they use energy-efficient lighting? Solar panels? Separate recycling? Are they looking at you quizzically as you bring all this up? Be selective, because the right London venue sets the tone for your sustainable event.

3. Make it an outdoor event 

One of the easiest ways to make your event more sustainable? Take it outside. Outdoor spaces like parks, rooftops, and gardens naturally reduce energy use for lighting and air-con. Plus, nature does the decorating for you! 

The weather might be a gamble, but not if you plan smart. Think tents, shade sails, open pavilions, clever layouts. Nature gives you atmosphere and airflow for free.

4. Tackle guest transport 

Transport can be a major carbon culprit, but luckily it’s an easy fix. Encourage public transport by providing travel guides, ticket discounts, and maybe even station a friendly greeter at the train or tube station. If getting there feels like a breeze, guests are far more likely to leave the car keys at home.

For those who prefer to go by car, offer carpool perks, VIP parking, or discount codes for eco-friendly rideshares. Let guests know: sustainable travel is part of the fun.

5. Rethink your waste 

Don’t go it alone when it comes to waste management. Partner with local waste services early to ensure proper bins, pickup plans, and even on-site sorting teams that make handling waste easier—and greener.

Want to take it up a notch? Track exactly what gets recycled, composted, and binned. This gives you a clear benchmark to beat at your next event—and a brag-worthy stat to share in your post-event wrap-up.

6. Say no to single-use 

Single-use items are the ultimate sustainability party crashers. Skip the disposables wherever you can. Hosting a small event? Go all-in with real plates, cups and cutlery. Bigger bash? Rent the dishware, cleaning included.

If disposables are unavoidable, choose certified compostable products (look for the BPI logo). Just make sure you have proper compost bins in place—otherwise, you’re just greenwashing in disguise.

7. Banish bottled water 

Plastic water bottles? So last season. Set up refill stations and encourage BYOWB (Bring Your Own Water Bottle) to save loads of plastic from going in the trash. 

Want to up the game? Provide reusable bottles with your logo for guests to take home. It’s eco-friendly, on-brand, and always appreciated.

8. Design with reuse in mind 

Forget one-time-use signs—opt for designs you can reuse over and over, or go digital to save paper (and make changes easy). If printing is a must, choose recyclable materials like cardboard.

For tableware, cloth napkins are a win: they look elegant and cut waste. If you must use disposables, pick recycled or fast-renewing options like bamboo. And remember, just because it looks eco doesn’t mean it is—always check what your local recycling centre accepts.

9. Find a home for leftovers

Food waste is sneaky—one minute you’re feeding a crowd and the next you’re left with mountains of uneaten pasta. Plan ahead to avoid it. Review past events, be realistic with portion sizes, and cook in batches. For buffets, use smaller trays and top them up as needed.

Still, leftovers are bound to happen. Find a local charity like FareShare who’ll take it off your hands. What can’t be saved? Straight into the compost. 

10. Source what you can locally 

If your ingredients have travelled farther than you have this year, it’s time to rethink your sourcing strategy. Swap long-haul produce for fresh, local ingredients—fewer emissions, better flavour, and a boost for local businesses.

Set a sourcing limit—say, 100 miles—and challenge your caterer to stick to it. Bonus points if they know their farmers by name. Add charming menu cards that spotlight the farms to give your food a story your guests will love.

11. Be mindful with marketing materials 

Choose recycled or FSC-certified paper for your print materials, and skip the glossy finishes and metallic inks—they’re more plastic than planet-friendly. Opt for vegetable-based inks for a sharp look that’s easier on the Earth.

Ask your printer about renewable energy or carbon-neutral options. If they can’t deliver, that’s your cue to find someone who can.

Print only what you need, and design versatile materials that can be reused. Add a QR code so guests can access updates online—less waste, more impact.

12. Get guests involved 

Forget boring sustainability slideshows. Instead, host interactive workshops like DIY eco-cleaning sprays, plant-based cooking demos, or composting tips. Keep it fun, simple, and useful.

Bring in local experts who love sharing their skills—just make sure they keep it lively and don’t drown your guests in carbon stats.

13. Make your swag more sustainable 

Most freebies end up in a drawer—or worse, the bin. Give guests something they’ll actually use: a sturdy reusable coffee cup, bamboo cutlery for lunch on the go, or wildflower seeds that brighten their day.

Want to take it up a notch? Include a QR code with the backstory behind the item. Now it’s not just eco-friendly—it’s meaningful and shareable.

Ditch the forgettable branded pen that barely writes. Opt for swag that’s small, practical, and full of good vibes.

Let’s create a sustainable event that gets everyone talking

With a few clever swaps and thoughtful details, you can host a sustainable event that makes a big impact without leaving a big footprint.

The best part? Many of these ideas are as budget-friendly as they are eco-friendly. Whether you’re planning your first ever event or your fiftieth, these tips will help you create an unforgettable experience that is kind to the planet.

So go ahead—host an event that creates memories, not landfill.