How to Throw a Zero-Waste Event in Nigeria

Oluebube Orji

12 minutes Read

In a world increasingly aware of environmental issues, hosting a zero-waste event is a powerful way to contribute to sustainability. Whether it’s a wedding, birthday party, corporate event, or community gathering, reducing waste can make a significant impact. This guide will walk you through the steps to plan and execute a zero-waste event in Nigeria, ensuring it’s both enjoyable and eco-friendly.

Understanding Zero-Waste

A zero-waste event aims to divert at least 90% of waste from landfills by reducing, reusing, and recycling materials. This involves careful planning and a commitment to sustainability throughout the event’s lifecycle.

Planning Your Zero-Waste Event

1. Set Clear Goals

Define what zero-waste means for your event. Communicate these goals to everyone involved, from vendors to guests. This ensures everyone is on the same page and committed to the cause. Remember, if you don’t tell them, they might think zero-waste means zero food!

2. Choose the Right Venue

Select a venue that supports your zero-waste goals. Look for places that offer recycling and composting services. If the venue doesn’t provide these, consider hiring a waste management service. And please, avoid venues where the only recycling happening is the recycling of excuses!

3. Invitations

Opt for digital invitations to reduce paper waste. If you must use physical invitations, choose recycled paper and soy-based inks. After all, we don’t want to chop down a whole forest just to invite people to a party, do we?

Reducing Waste at the Event

1. Decorations

Use reusable or biodegradable decorations. Items like cloth banners, potted plants, and LED lights can be reused for future events. Avoid single-use plastics and non-recyclable materials. Trust me, your guests will appreciate the effort, and your wallet will thank you later.

2. Tableware

Choose reusable or compostable tableware. Bamboo plates, stainless steel cutlery, and cloth napkins are excellent options. If using disposables, ensure they are compostable. No one wants to eat jollof rice off a flimsy plastic plate that might collapse at any moment!

3. Food and Beverages

Work with caterers who prioritize local, seasonal, and organic ingredients. Serve food buffet-style to reduce waste and encourage guests to take only what they need. Provide clearly labeled bins for composting food scraps. And remember, Nigerian parties are known for their food, so make sure there’s enough to go around without going overboard.

Managing Waste

1. Waste Stations

Set up clearly labeled waste stations for recycling, composting, and landfill. Use color-coded bins and provide instructions to help guests dispose of waste correctly. Make it fun – maybe even turn it into a game with prizes for the best recyclers!

2. Educate Guests

Inform your guests about the zero-waste goals and how they can contribute. Use signage and announcements to guide them. A little humor goes a long way – something like, “Don’t be a wasteful Wale, recycle like a responsible Ranti!”

3. Leftover Food

Partner with local charities to donate leftover food. This not only reduces waste but also supports the community. Plus, it’s a great way to ensure that all that delicious food doesn’t go to waste – because wasting food is a cardinal sin in Nigerian culture!

Post-Event Actions

1. Evaluate

Assess the success of your zero-waste efforts. Calculate the amount of waste diverted from landfills and identify areas for improvement. It’s like doing a post-mortem, but for a party – and much more fun!

2. Share Your Success

Share your zero-waste journey on social media and your blog. Inspire others to host their own zero-waste events. Who knows, you might start a trend and become the go-to person for eco-friendly events in Nigeria.

Hosting a zero-waste event in Nigeria is not only possible but also rewarding. By following these steps, you can create a memorable event that leaves a positive impact on the environment. Remember, every small effort counts towards a sustainable future. And who knows, you might even inspire others to follow in your eco-friendly footsteps!