10 steps to create a green event

REsource living work with some of the greenest festivals in the UK. Some are really small, like 500 people and we power and light the whole event with our solar fire engine. Some are bigger, like the Green Gathering, and we work with other solar power generators to provide a solar network.


We get a lot of enquiries from event organisers, from large commercial festivals to individuals planning their own wedding. It boils down to the same few issues and those who say it can’t be done (no names mentioned although some of the larger festivals claiming to be sustainable who actually are not and use fancy marketing to greenwash say it can’t) are in fact distracting you from the point! This gorgeous planet that you want to have your event on needs way more respect and sadly most events fall down on step one.

1. Most importantly put being green to the top of priority list
2. Use independently solar/wind/pedal powered stages and venues
3. Use caterers who cook on wood or gas and have led lighting, efficient fridges/freezer and/or their own power supply (not petrol/diesel generator!)
4. Have reusable cutlery, plates, bowls and cups available on site. Any single use to be compostable.
5. Only invite traders who make their own stock.
6. Run workshops to educate and inspire people to live more sustainably.
7. Use compost toilets.
8. Power all infrastructure, services and production from solar and wind.
9. Use efficient shower blocks or wood fired shower/sauna set ups.
10. Provide full recycling facilities and hand out bin liners for people to take their own rubbish home. Use a deposit as an incentive.

Yes there are more issues surrounding the attendees, how they travel, what they stay in etc but I work in events so am focusing on main infrastructure. You can go deeper and look into ethical sites, banking, ticketing systems, web servers but honestly you’ll get lost down there!


If you’re organising an event and can get behind the 10 steps above then give us a call. If we can’t power your event we might just know someone who can.


I plan to write a blog about each of the steps with links to service providers I know and recommend so watch this space!