Sustainability Spotlight - September 2025 - Hosting Sustainable Events in Wheat Ridge

Planning an event in Wheat Ridge? Make it green! Sustainable event planning is more than a trend: it’s a simple and powerful way to reduce your environmental impact, support local businesses, and inspire change in your community. Not sure where to start? We’ve identified five key areas where you can swap an event essential for a greener choice.

Waste Management

Events of all sizes produce waste. Thinking thoughtfully about the inputs and outputs of events can help reduce your event’s overall environmental impact. Consider using compostable or reusable materials for décor, nametags, signage, and utensils to keep inputs green. And provide clearly labeled recycling and composting bins in addition to trash, with signage or volunteers to help guests properly sort their waste.

Food and Beverage

Choose locally-sourced, seasonal ingredients to reduce carbon emissions associated with transportation or offer plant-based menu options, which generally require fewer resources to produce. Work with your caterer to minimize food waste by planning portion sizes accurately and identifying ways that surplus food can be donated, shared, or composted after the event.

Transportation

Encourage guests to walk, bike, take public transportation, or carpool to the event if possible, with options communicated to attendees prior to the event. Offer incentives for eco-friendly travel such as discounts or rewards or provide shuttle service for large events with limited parking. Schedule events outside of peak commute hours to reduce traffic congestion and increased carbon emissions for those who do drive.

Communications

Go digital with invitations, programs, advertising, and registration. Use reusable signage and eco-friendly printing methods when physical materials are necessary. Highlight your sustainability efforts in all communications to engage and educate attendees on the steps you’ve taken to make the event greener.

Décor and Materials

Select a venue that has existing sustainability practices in place, is LEED certified, or is accessible by public transportation. Opt for reusable, recyclable or compostable décor like using live plants, dried flowers, or reusable décor instead of single-use items. Choose cloth tablecloths and giveaway items made of natural materials that won’t end up in trash at the end of the event.

Interested in learning more but don’t know where to start? The Colorado Department of Health and Environment (CDPHE) website has a growing list of green businesses in the community for vendors or venues. If you have any questions about planning a green event in Wheat Ridge, don’t hesitate to reach out to sustainability@ci.wheatridge.co.us.