• Use a caterer that offers sustainable food and beverages by consulting our list of Caterers Ranked by Sustainability Criteria (coming soon!). 

• Prioritize plant-based food and protein options (e.g., tofu, beans/lentils, etc.) that are local and/or sustainably produced.

• Refrain when possible from offering red meat due to the significant environmental impact; when ordering meat, opt for humanely raised, antibiotic-free options. 

• Provide filtered water in pitchers and consider infusing it with slices of organic fruit (“spa water”), and/or use signage to direct people to the nearest filtered water fountain.

• Publicize your event electronically through email and social media. When signage is necessary, use certified sustainable and/or high-recycled-content paper.

• Encourage off-campus attendees to take public transit, carpool, walk, or bike when possible. Consider incentivizing alternative transportation options for off-campus attendees (e.g., rideshare communication tools).

• Encourage presenters to use electronic platforms (e.g., PowerPoint) instead of handouts. 

• Reclaim nametag holders at the end of the event for reuse. 

• Purchase reusable decorations (e.g., strings of lights, cloth banners) or recyclable items instead of single-use plastic items or balloons.

• For recurring events, opt for banners/signage that can be reused or are more sustainably produced; avoid purchasing vinyl. 

• Include information about sustainability practices in event publications, etc. Contact [email protected] for a “Sustainability at Princeton“ logo image or other graphics to be included in your event materials.

• Provide clearly marked bins with Princeton’s Recycling Guidelines for landfill and recycling, and composting if available, and group them together.

• Hire EcoReps or ask event volunteers to monitor bins for proper waste disposal.

• Ask attendees to RSVP to help inform the amount of food ordered; err on the side of ordering less rather than more. 

• Post leftovers on the Free Food listserv (see instructions below on how to join) as soon as your event ends. *Please note food should only be kept out for 4 hours per state health code. Dispose of food waste if no one comes to claim your food promptly.

• Use reusable items (e.g., dishes, glasses, cutlery, etc.) whenever possible, and remember to notify the caterer that you do not want to receive disposables with your order. Options include: 

  • Request that your caterer provide reusable items and have them retrieve these items after the conclusion of your event. Find a caterer that provides reusable items by consulting our list of Caterers Ranked by Sustainability Criteria (coming soon!); and/or

  • Have your office/department purchase its own set of reusable items; and/or

  • Host an event in a space on campus that has reusable items and hire EcoReps or ask event volunteers to assist with zero-waste clean-up.  

• Consider food options that don’t require utensils (e.g., pizza, sandwiches, etc.).

• Order platters instead of individually packaged items and order items in bulk (e.g., condiments).

• Encourage attendees to bring their own reusable water bottles and mugs.

• If single-use items are necessary, request that your caterer use items made with renewable or recycled content and/or purchase them yourself.

• Request or require RSVP to gauge attendance and prevent over buying materials 

When planning a giveaway, ask yourself these questions:

• What is the purpose of the giveaway item(s)? What value does it bring to participants/attendees? If you were the one receiving it, how would you feel? Would you have a long-term use for it?
• Who is receiving the item(s)? Do they have a choice to opt-in or out of receiving it?
• Can the item(s) be sourced responsibly? Who makes the item, what is it made from, and where is it made?
• How is the item(s) being shipped? Can it be done in a way to minimize carbon emissions?

Additional suggestions:

• Order items without dates printed on them so that they can be reused for annual events and don’t feel “dated”.
• Reuse existing items (e.g., decorate past giveaways, screenprint past participants’ T-shirts, etc.).
• If you end up with extra giveaway items that can not be utilized at a future event, consult the campus Zero Waste Guide for information about donating them or disposing of them sustainably.

• Incentivize B.Y.O. events where attendees bring their own items or opt for reusables. 
• Encourage attendees to bring their own reusable water bottles and mugs.
• Have your office/department purchase its own set of reusable items; and/or
• Host an event in a space on campus that has reusable items and hire EcoReps or ask event volunteers to assist with zero-waste clean-up.