The Multiplier Effect: How Small Sustainability Efforts Create Big Change
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Start Small, Think Big
Sustainability in event planning often feels like a daunting task. Between reducing food waste, sourcing compostable materials, and meeting attendee expectations, planners may feel overwhelmed by the scale of change required. But as Julie’s conversation with Gregory Perrine revealed, even the smallest efforts can create a ripple effect, influencing not just the event itself but entire industries and communities.
Julie, an event planning veteran, highlighted the importance of starting with manageable changes.
“Everyone’s got to walk before they run,” she shared. “If you’re trying really hard to do something, don’t let that naysayer dissuade you. As long as you’re continually moving forward with your initiatives, be proud of what you’re doing.”
Small changes, like replacing plastic water bottles with reusable dispensers or offering fewer protein options on menus, might seem insignificant. However, these actions can inspire broader change. “The request you make may change the facility,” Julie explained. “They, in turn, can implement those practices with all of their other clients, and your single one-off event has the potential multiplier effect to make a significant difference.”
From One Event to Industry Standards
Julie’s experience demonstrates how small efforts can influence venues and vendors. During her time at McDonald’s, her team worked with local waste haulers in Orlando to test composting programs that included meat and dairy products. What began as a pilot program for a single event evolved into a broader sustainability initiative.
“We campaigned with the Orange County Environmental District, and we got a dispensation to utilize both [meat and dairy] in their compost for the duration of the show,” she shared.
This approach not only benefited the event but also set a precedent for future initiatives. “Your one event can leave a legacy,” Julie emphasized, “impacting how venues and cities operate long after your attendees have left.”
Leveraging Partnerships for Greater Impact
One of the easiest ways to amplify sustainability efforts is by collaborating with existing programs and organizations. Julie gave a shout-out to Feeding America and local nonprofits that partner with planners to recover unused food.
“Many food banks don’t have nighttime collections, but if you partner with them in advance, they will schedule someone to capture food at the end of your event.”
These partnerships not only reduce food waste but also address community needs. “Sustainability isn’t just about reducing waste,” Julie said. “It’s about caring for the people in the community where you’re hosting your event.”
Scaling Solutions Across Events
Tracking data and applying lessons learned is another way small changes can have a long-term impact. Tools like Pholeo simplify this process by enabling planners to monitor metrics like reusable items, packaged food consumption, and compostable materials.
“If you’re tracking how many packaged elements were consumed versus ordered,” Julie noted, “you can reduce that order for the next year. That’s a direct savings in food costs and waste.”
Data not only helps planners improve efficiency but also empowers venues to adopt sustainable practices more broadly. “When venues see the benefits of these efforts, they’re more likely to implement them for other clients,” Julie added.
Transforming Attendee Mindsets
Educating attendees is another powerful way to multiply the impact of sustainability efforts. Julie shared how simple communication—like signage at water stations or notes about sustainable menu options—can change attendee behavior.
“We’ve even done signs where the front shows the menu, and the back, as guests are leaving, explains the sustainability initiatives tied to their meal.”
By providing these touchpoints, planners can turn events into opportunities for attendees to learn and adopt sustainable practices in their own lives.
The Power of Small Changes
Sustainability doesn’t have to be an all-or-nothing endeavor. As Julie emphasized, small efforts—whether it’s reducing proteins on menus, collaborating with local nonprofits, or tracking reusable items—can create lasting change. These initiatives not only improve the environmental footprint of individual events but also influence industry standards, inspire attendees, and benefit local communities.
In the words of Julie,
“Be proud of what you’re doing. It may be a small impact today, but it has the potential multiplier effect to make a significant difference.”
For event planners looking to create a legacy of sustainability, the journey starts with small, intentional steps. With tools like Pholeo and a commitment to continuous improvement, those steps can lead to big changes for the industry—and the planet.
