• Use a caterer that offers sustainable food and beverages. 

  • Princeton University's Campus Dining provides distinct on-campus catering services depending on your catering needs. Campus Dining brings together expertise in the culinary arts, wellness, sustainability, procurement and hospitality to develop innovative programs in support of Princeton’s diverse and vibrant community.

• 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.  

    • Kitchen spaces with sinks, dishwashers and/or reusable plates/utensils, such as Campus Club, McGraw Center, Third floor of the Julis Romo Rabinowitz (JRR) Center, Dod Basement, 1903 Basement

    • Know a space on campus with a kitchen or dishwasher? Email [email protected] to add it to this list.

• 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.  

  • Kitchen spaces with sinks, dishwashers and/or reusable plates/utensils, such as Campus Club, McGraw Center, Third floor of the Julis Romo Rabinowitz (JRR) Center, Dod Basement, 1903 Basement

  • Know a space on campus with a kitchen or dishwasher? Email [email protected] to add it to this list.