Sustainability in Events: Small Steps That Make a Big Impact
- Melissa Campbell
- May 27
- 4 min read
Updated: Jul 14
Events don't have to cost the Earth... literally or figuratively!
Creating impactful events isn’t just about big ideas and even bigger budgets. It’s about being intentional with design, with storytelling and really thinking about sustainability.
In the UAE, and within an industry known for single-use builds, cross-country shipping, and waste-heavy logistics, talking about sustainability in events can feel… well, overwhelming! Especially if you’re a small business or just starting out.
The good news? You don’t need to overhaul everything overnight. In fact, the most meaningful impact comes from the small steps taken consistently, intentionally and over time.
At Just Honest Events, we believe that designing for people and the planet can go hand-in-hand. Here's how we’re approaching sustainability from the ground up, and how you can too.
Why Sustainability in Events Matters Now More Than Ever
The event industry is estimated to produce millions of tonnes of waste annually, from staging materials and catering waste to transport emissions and discarded signage. In fast-growing hubs like here in Dubai where innovation, hospitality and scale go hand in hand, sustainable practices are not just good ethics, they’re smart business.
Audiences are paying attention Whether you're hosting a brand activation, a corporate summit or a private experience, today's attendees are more socially and environmentally conscious than ever. They expect the brands they engage with to understand their environmental impact and proactively take steps to mitigate.
Clients are demanding better More and more corporate clients especially in tech, finance, and government, now require sustainability reports or environmentally aligned practices from their vendors and partners. Being prepared with a planet-conscious approach makes you a more competitive and responsible supplier. Here at Just Honest Events we use an industry-leading carbon measurement tool to track our events' carbon footprint.
Small Sustainable Swaps That Make a Big Difference Sustainability isn’t about perfection. It’s about progress. And even small, thoughtful choices can significantly reduce the environmental footprint of an event.
Here are some easy-to-implement, high-impact ideas:
Ditch Single-Use Materials Traditional badges create mountains of waste. Those one-time-use foam boards and branded giveaways? Those too. Let’s rethink them!
Choose Local (Whenever You Can) Sourcing from within the UAE reduces transport emissions and supports local economies.
Reimagine Your Gifting Strategy Not all swag is created equal, and, much of it ends up in a drawer or landfill.
Plan for Leftovers Catering waste is a huge contributor to event-related emissions. Avoiding waste starts with better planning and ends with smart redistribution.
Design Reusably Modular builds, adaptable staging, and neutral color palettes can help you reuse your design materials across events.
Offset and Educate Sometimes, there’s no getting around things like air travel or energy usage. That’s where offsetting can help.
But, It’s not just about what you do... it’s also about inspiring others to do the same.
The Dubai Factor: Designing Sustainably in the UAE
The UAE is uniquely positioned to lead the way in sustainable innovation. With government initiatives like the UAE Net Zero by 2050 strategy and the rise of eco-conscious business culture, there’s never been more opportunity or support for going green in the events world.
From solar-powered venues to water-saving landscaping, there are increasing ways to align your events with sustainability values without sacrificing creativity or experience.
Even better? Sustainability is becoming a brand story in itself. Clients are proud to share when their events support local businesses, reduce waste or align with ESG goals. Let’s give them something worth talking about!
What We’re Doing at Just Honest Events
As a young agency, we’re building sustainability into our ethos from day one, not as a bolt-on, but as a baseline. Here’s what that looks like in practice:
Carbon Emission Tracking :We use a industry recognised tool to to measure event carbon footprint and provide reporting for our clients.
Sustainable suppliers: we assess vendors based on environmental practices, waste policies, and material reuse
Low-waste events: we help clients plan events that minimise print, energy and excess
Local-first mindset: whenever possible, we source locally
Client education: we advocate for experience-first gifts, reusable builds and smarter sourcing
We’re certainly not perfect. But we’re learning, adapting, and making sustainability the heart of our designs and decision making. We want to help our clients do the same.
Do What You Can, Where You Are
Sustainability in events doesn’t have to be overwhelming, expensive or all-or-nothing. As a minimum, it starts with asking ourselves:
· Do we really need to print that?
· Can we find a local vendor instead?
· How can we create less waste and more meaning?
It’s these small, honest shifts that will lead to bigger impact.
So, If you’re planning an event and want to incorporate more sustainable practices, whether in a small way or as a core theme, we’d love to help! As we believe that bold, unforgettable events don’t have to cost the Earth…literally or figuratively.
Reach out to us at Just Honest Events to see how we can help!
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Disclaimer
The content published on this blog is for informational and inspirational purposes only. While we strive to provide up-to-date insights, expert opinions, and industry trends, the information shared should not be considered as professional advice tailored to any specific event or business need.
All views expressed in our blog posts are our own and are intended to inspire creativity, spark innovation, and provide valuable insights into the world of event marketing and management. However, event strategies, technologies, and trends evolve rapidly, and we recommend consulting with a professional before making any major event-related decisions. Additionally, any third-party tools, platforms, or services mentioned in our blog posts are referenced purely for educational purposes. We do not endorse or receive compensation for mentioning them unless explicitly stated.
By using this blog, you acknowledge that we are not responsible for any direct, indirect, or consequential decisions made based on the information provided. We encourage readers to use their discretion, conduct their own research, and reach out for personalized guidance if needed. For expert consultation on event marketing strategies, sustainable event planning, or creating unforgettable brand experiences, feel free to contact us directly.
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