Figures show that businesses which embrace sustainability have a powerful advantage over those that don’t. In fact, 93 percent of CEOs believe that sustainability concerns will be a main player in the future of their businesses. It’s a concern that’s becoming ever more pressing – and so, when planning corporate events in the future, you may be thinking of keeping the Green Factor in mind. We’re here to help make the task simple with a short list of ideas that cover all the essentials.

When it comes to planning the catering for a corporate meeting or company events, these are the three sustainability elements to consider:

• food sourcing
• tableware
• waste management

• What is sustainable food?

It’s local.

Buying food from nearby means a smaller carbon footprint was made getting those provisions to you. Here’s an informative how-to on sourcing local food.

It’s seasonal.

Eating fruits and vegetables in season means that fewer pesticides, waxes, preservatives and time in energy-hungry cold-storage was needed to preserve your fare’s fresh appearance. This is a choice that’s becoming increasingly popular, so ask your caterer what seasonal options their menu has to offer.

It’s farmed sustainably, and organic.

There’s a lot that goes into sustainable farming practices. In short, it ensures that animals live healthy, happy lives, the environment benefits, farmers are satisfied with the returns for their labors, and people sitting down to an organic meal enjoy fare that is full of flavor and nutrition. Here’s a deeper look at what sustainable farming means and here  and here  are some more sources on how to buy organic.

It’s fair trade.

These are the 10 principles of fair trade from the World Fair Trade Organization:

• Opportunities for disadvantaged workers
• Transparency and accountability
• Fair trade practices
• Fair payment
• No child labor or forced labor
• No discrimination; gender equality; and freedom of association
• Good working conditions
• Capacity building
• Promote fair trade
• Respect for the environment

Now this is something we all can get behind! Here’s (https://www.fairtradecertified.org/products) an in-depth site on shopping for fair-trade items in the US.

When looking for sustainable food, consider booking a Maui Wowi mobile coffee bar! Our delicious Hawaiian coffees are sustainably grown and bought through fair trade and we have a wide selection of irresistible options. Or, opt for smoothie catering. Our mobile smoothie bars serve fresh, filling and all-natural treats. To book a sustainability-conscious mobile coffee or smoothie bar that delights guests at your next event, go to coffeesandsmoothies.com.

• How to find green tableware (we don’t mean the color).

It’s reusable.

Make do without plastic or paper! Have jugs of water, linen napkins and tablecloths, reusable cutlery and crockery, condiments in shakers and jars, and go paperless with invitations and signage.

Or, it’s biodegradable.

The next best option when it comes to tableware is finding items that won’t contribute to overflowing dumps, landfills and ocean pollution. Here’s an article full of tips on biodegradable tableware.

• Waste management makes a difference.

Donate.

Instead of throwing away your untouched extras, donate them to someone in need. Here’s a city-by-city guide.

Recycle.

It may mean setting up extra bins yourself, but having recycling options when it comes to waste disposal can make a big difference. Explain the system to your guests, and have clear signage at the bins themselves. Here’s an informative how-to.

Compost

Arrange with a local composter to take on your food waste and biodegradable packaging post-event. It’s a simple but effective way to give back to the environment.

Planning a green event is a little extra effort. But in the long run, it will not only benefit our beautiful earth, it will also contribute to the future success of your company.