The events sector is a veritable showcase for contemporary society, providing a wealth of opportunities for meetings, festivities and discoveries. However, this industry hides a less glamorous side: its ecological footprint. With the introduction of the AGEC law (Anti-Gaspillage pour une Économie Circulaire), the ecological challenge is now a priority.
Events, a sector rich in resources
From conception to completion, every event, whether professional, cultural or private, consumes huge quantities of resources. Imagine everything that goes into setting up a trade show: furniture, technical equipment, decorations, communication media, catering… Every component of the event is a potential source of waste.
The impact is all the more worrying when you consider the frequency and diversity of the events organised around the world each year. From weddings and music festivals to professional conferences and art exhibitions, the volume of events is colossal. According to some estimates, an event with 5,000 participants can generate up to 2.5 tonnes of waste. This raises the question of what happens to this waste and the effectiveness of the management systems in place.
The AGEC law : A framework for eco-responsibility
While the AGEC Act does not specifically target the events sector, it is nonetheless a benchmark for eco-responsibility. It calls on all economic and social players to reflect on their practices and align them with sustainability objectives.
The law emphasises several crucial aspects: the need to reduce plastic consumption, the relentless fight against waste in all its forms, the promotion of re-use and, of course, more rigorous and informed waste management.
These objectives, although general, have a particular resonance in the world of events. They call for a profound rethink of the way events are conceived, organised and deployed.
Greening your events: What are the solutions?
The transition to eco-responsible events is no mean feat, but it’s far from insurmountable. Here are some things to think about:
Reducing plastic consumption :
Plastic is omnipresent in events, from disposable cups to communication media. The first step is to identify the sources of plastic consumption and explore more sustainable alternatives, such as biodegradable or compostable materials.
Proactive waste management :
In addition to the simple installation of bins, this involves strategic thinking about the way in which waste is collected, sorted and disposed of. This can also include partnerships with local recycling companies or community initiatives.
Promoting re-use :
Before throwing things away, why not consider reusing them? Many items, such as furniture and decor, can find a second life if they are kept or donated. CircularPlace offers event organisers a digital solution for sustainable equipment management, enabling them to re-use materials and equipment that will not be recovered at the end of the show. Our platform is a marketplace for businesses, facilitating the management, recovery and re-use of a variety of equipment through a four-stage process to maximise the residual value of equipment used at the show.
Working with green suppliers :
Choosing to work with partners who share an eco-responsible vision can have a significant impact. This can range from selecting caterers offering organic or local options to working with printers using eco-friendly inks.
Awareness-raising and training :
One of the biggest challenges is to change the mentality of participants, suppliers and organisers. Workshops, training courses and awareness campaigns can help to change attitudes and behaviour.
The eco-responsible future of events
The future of events lies in a more harmonious approach to nature and our planet’s resources. With the rise of technology, new solutions are emerging every day to facilitate this transition. From applications to reduce food waste to digital platforms for virtual events, innovation is at the forefront of the sector’s ecological transformation.
It’s essential to recognise that the road to an entirely green event will be strewn with challenges. However, with a collective will, an innovative approach and continuous attention to evolving ecological needs, the events sector can not only reduce its footprint, but also become a model of sustainability.
In conclusion, the AGEC Act, although indirect, is a powerful reminder that change is necessary. In the world of events, this change represents an opportunity not only to protect our planet, but also to fundamentally rethink how we gather, celebrate and exchange.
It is with this circular economy, in mind that CircularPlace has developed a marketplacewhich allows you to sell your equipment, goods and unsold non-food items between professionals, and puts you in touch with voluntary organisations to recover your products.
You can also opt for a white label solution that will allow your company to circularize your equipment internally and to engage your employees around ecological themes.
Don’t throw away any more, opt for the second hand!
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