In the heart of the Pacific, where lush rainforests dance with awe-inspiring volcanoes, my family and I traded the land of ten thousand lakes for the captivating landscapes of the Big Island of Hawaii. Our move earlier this year wasn't just a change of scenery; it was a journey filled with logistical acrobatics, lessons in sustainable living, and the ultimate test of my event planning prowess.
Nestled on the Hilo side of this tropical paradise, our new home is more than just a haven for endangered species like the Nene goose and the revered Io Hawaiian hawks; it's a constant reminder of the delicate balance we strive to maintain between modern living and respecting the profound cultural and environmental richness of Hawaii.
As I share this adventure, our family's embrace of sustainable practices in our homestead mirrors the changes we've made to live in harmony with this island. We've shifted to a single family hybrid vehicle, harnessed the Hawaiian sun with solar panels, and depend on a massive rainwater catchment tank for our water needs. The land surrounding our home is now a burgeoning native fruit orchard—a testament to my husband’s ridiculous work ethic (we’ve never had to pick-axe hardened lava simply to plant a tree!), but also our commitment to not just inhabit but contribute positively to our island's ecosystem.
This journey, far from an exploration of eco-friendly living, became an exploration of what's possible and important. Beyond the stunning views, it unveiled a way of life where sustainability isn't just a trend but a pragmatic choice—a lifestyle that's not only gentle on the environment but also on our pocketbooks.
Now, as I settle into our sustainable homestead and continue my professional endeavors through Plan it Pretty, I'm eager to share not just the breathtaking views but also the invaluable lessons that have come with this adventure. Our Hawaiian journey has been an eye-opener to the possibilities of eco-friendly living, not just as a nod to environmental consciousness but as a way to navigate the high costs of island living.
So, join me on this virtual trip to the Pacific as I blend the personal and professional, weaving tales from our Hawaiian homestead with actionable tips for infusing sustainability into your events. Let's dive into a world where eco-friendly choices aren't just ethical; they're economical, leaving a lasting impact on both your bottom line and the environment.
Lessons from Our Island Haven
Transportation Hub
Inspiration: Our commitment to reducing reliance on multiple vehicles.
Implementation: Set up a transportation hub outside the event area.
Electric Bikes and Scooters: Partner with companies like Lime or Bird to provide electric bikes and scooters stationed outside the venue. Offer promo codes for free rides to registered attendees.
Reducing the need for individual transportation can lower overall transportation costs for attendees.
Local and Seasonal Catering
Inspiration: Our commitment to local produce.
Implementation: Collaborate with venue-approved caterers committed to sustainable practices.
Farm-to-Table Menu: Opt for a farm-to-table menu featuring local, seasonal produce.
Local, seasonal ingredients may be more cost-effective due to reduced transportation and storage expenses.
Plant-Based Options: Introduce plant-based or vegetarian menu items.
Plant-based options can be more cost-effective than traditional meat dishes.
Waste Reduction: Work with caterers to minimize food waste. Request portion control and discuss options for donating excess food to local charities or farms.
Reducing food waste contributes to lower catering expenses.
Sustainable Swag
Inspiration: Our dedication to minimizing waste.
Implementation: Collaborate with sustainable swag vendors or consider eco-friendly alternatives.
Reusable Tote Bags: Offer branded tote bags made from recycled or organic materials.
Ordering reusable tote bags may have a higher upfront cost, but they offer long-term value and reduce the need for single-use swag.
Eco-friendly Notebooks: Choose notebooks made from recycled paper or sustainable materials.
Seed Packets: Encourage attendees to grow their own plants by providing seed packets.
Waste Reduction Stations
Inspiration: Our commitment to responsible resource use.
Implementation: Set up waste reduction stations throughout the event venue.
Clearly Labeled Bins: Provide clearly labeled bins for recycling, composting, and general waste.
Efficient waste management can lead to reduced cleanup costs.
Compostable or Biodegradable Utensils: If serving food that requires utensils, opt for compostable or biodegradable options.
Digital Engagement
Inspiration: Our shift to solar panels for a sustainable energy source.
Implementation: Embrace digital solutions to reduce paper waste and engage attendees more sustainably.
Mobile Event Apps: Create a mobile app for the event, reducing the need for printed programs or schedules.
Digital apps can be a hugely cost-effective alternative to printing materials.
Digital Signage: Utilize digital screens instead of printed signs for announcements and directions.
Digital signage greatly reduces printing costs and allows for easy onsite updates and announcements.
Electronic Registration and Surveys: Implement electronic registration processes and post-event surveys to minimize paper usage.
Social Responsibility Activities
Inspiration: Our desire to contribute positively to our local environment.
Implementation: Incorporate social-responsibility activities into your event that benefit the local community or environment.
Community Cleanup: Organize a community cleanup activity as a team-building exercise.
Tree Planting: Arrange a tree-planting session to offset the carbon footprint of the event.
Collaborating with local communities for activities can enhance the event's impact without significant added expenses.