Host Sustainable Events
Faculty, staff, and student groups can help Â鶹´«Ã½ become more sustainable by considering the environmental impact of meetings and events. The following guidelines and resources can help make campus events greener.
Sustainable dining options checklist for events
Food
- Ask for sustainable menu options with local, seasonal and organic meats, fruits and vegetables.
- Specify that you would like sustainably harvested seafood and/or free range meats.
- Specify condiments in bulk (sugar, salt, pepper, ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise, peanut butter, jam, cream cheese, and butter) rather than individually packaged portions.
- Request pitchers of tap water and rather than bottled water.
- Request organic, shade-grown coffee and tea.
- Always request Fair Trade products. Fair Trade products include coffee, tea, sugar, cocoa products, and bananas.
- If possible, donate leftover food to NU Campus Kitchens, an NU student led hunger relief organization.
Waste
- Specify reusable (non-disposable) utensils, cups, and dishes.
- Request linen napkins and tablecloths.
- Provide recycling at your events and consider whether composting is an option. For help with recycling or composting, email sustainNU at sustainNU@northwestern.edu and provide your event title, time, location, menu, and expected number of attendees.
- If disposable plates and utensils must be used, avoid polystyrene/Styrofoam. For disposable cups, request a recyclable one, and if composting is an option, specify compostable plates.
- Ensure that food is served in a way that minimizes waste (i.e. buffet style instead of individually wrapped meals or boxed lunches).
- Provide signage educating attendees about sustainable food choices, recycling, and composting.