When we talk about sustainable events, we often focus on the technical aspects – waste reduction, carbon footprints, and procurement policies. But beneath these practical considerations lies a more profound, more personal journey that every event planner must navigate. It’s a journey filled with hope, doubt, determination, and, sometimes, overwhelming pressure.
Breaking Free from Eco-Anxiety
The weight of environmental responsibility can be crushing. Every decision seems to carry the burden of our planet’s future. Should we use digital tickets or recyclable paper? Is locally sourced always better? What about those international speakers we want to fly in? The questions are endless, and the “perfect” answers often feel frustratingly out of reach.
Here’s the truth: perfection isn’t the goal. Sustainability is a journey, not a destination. The shame and blame we heap upon ourselves for not doing “enough” doesn’t serve anyone – not our events, attendees, or the planet. Instead of paralysis by perfection, we need to embrace progress over perfection.
The Emotional Labor of Event Planning
Event planners are, by nature, detail-oriented perfectionists. We carry hundreds, sometimes thousands, of experiences on our shoulders. Adding sustainability to this mix isn’t just another checkbox – it’s an entirely new emotional dimension.
We feel:
- Pride when we successfully implement new sustainable initiatives
- Frustration when budget constraints limit our green options
- Anxiety about pushback from stakeholders
- Hope when we see our industry moving in the right direction
- Exhaustion from constantly advocating for better practices
- Joy when attendees appreciate and engage with our sustainable choices
All of these feelings are valid. They’re not just normal – they’re necessary. They show that we care and are invested in creating meaningful change.
Permission to Feel
It’s okay to feel overwhelmed by the magnitude of environmental challenges, angry at systemic barriers that make sustainable choices more complex than they should be and scared about the future we’re trying to shape.
These emotions aren’t weaknesses – they’re your compass. They guide you toward what matters most. The key is acknowledging them without letting them paralyze you.
The Power of Community
This is where platforms like The Sustainable Events Forum (TSEF.ca) become invaluable. In isolation, our challenges can feel insurmountable. But in the community, we find:
- Shared experiences that validate our struggles
- Practical solutions we might not have considered
- Emotional support when things get tough
- Celebration of our successes, no matter how small
- Collective wisdom that helps us grow
At The Sustainable Event Forum, we often remind ourselves and others that we’re not alone in this journey. Every member has faced similar challenges, had similar doubts, and found ways to move forward and wants to help others move forward.
Practical Steps To Being a Sustainable Event Professional
- Start Where You Are
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- Acknowledge your current reality
- Identify what’s within your control
- Choose one area for immediate impact (pro tip: LOTS of ideas on tsef.ca!)
- Build Your Support System
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- Volunteer on your industry association’s green or sustainability committee
- Connect with other sustainable event planners
- Join online communities like TSEF, join a green team, and start a green team!
- Find mentors who’ve walked this path
- Live Your Journey
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- Celebrate small wins
- Learn from setbacks
- Share your experiences to help others
- Practice Self-Compassion
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- Recognize that you’re doing important work
- Accept that change takes time
- Allow yourself to be a learner
The Ripple Effect
I often talk about how we are like a drop of water in the ocean; we create ripples, some of which become waves. Every sustainable choice you make, no matter how small, creates ripples. When you choose reusable signage, you’re not just reducing waste – you’re showing others it’s possible. When you opt for plant-based catering, you’re not just cutting emissions but introducing attendees to new possibilities.
These choices matter. They add up. They inspire others. And most importantly, they move us forward.
Looking Ahead
The future of events will be sustainable—not because it’s trendy but necessary. As event planners, we’re at the forefront of this transformation. We’re the ones making the difficult choices, having uncomfortable conversations, and pushing for change. I beg you to keep going and have the discipline to do what is needed, even when it’s hard, so we don’t spend our later years filled with regret.
“It’s been said that there are only two pains in life, the pain of discipline or the pain of regret, and that discipline weighs ounces while regret weighs tons.” ― Anthony Robbins
Remember:
- You don’t have to do everything at once
- Your efforts matter, even if they feel small
- You have a community ready to support you
- Your emotional well-being is as important as your professional goals
The path to sustainable events isn’t just about checklists and metrics but heart, courage, and community. It’s about understanding that we’re all figuring this out together and supporting each other as we learn and grow.
When the work feels overwhelming, remember why you started. Remember the future you’re working to create. And remember that somewhere out there, another event planner is facing the same challenges, asking the same questions and finding their way forward – just like you.
You’re not alone in this journey. We are always here to support other planners and organizations. We need collaboration, and we need each other. Together, we can create events that gather people, nurture our planet, and inspire change.
This article was provided by Natalie Lowe, founder of The Sustainable Events Forum in 2018 and started Earth Day for Event People. It is supported by a fantastic group of event professionals seeking to make positive change. Over a thousand people have taken her Sustainable Events course and are influencing the world in their own ways.
To learn more about The Sustainable Event Forum, visit their website and social media pages.
