The primary focus of the Green Events toolkit (available for download to the right) is to help engage individuals in a systematic, cost-effective process for taking greater responsibility for improving their environment in public event settings.

The guide is intended to help organizations reduce the amount of litter generated at community events and to recover recyclable materials from the waste stream. While focusing on litter prevention and recycling, this guide also touches briefly on other environmental concerns that may be incorporated to further improve the environmental impacts of community events.

Objectives

• To leave public events free of litter and to promote recycling.
• To change individual behavior toward littering.
• To educate the public about recycling.
• To reduce costs associated with event cleanup by eliminating litter.
• To reduce landfill disposal costs and save natural resources by recycling.

Background

This toolkit was developed as part of a “Green Teams” pilot program held in Fall 2006 as a partnership between The Coca-Cola Company and Keep Texas Beautiful.  Thirty-two (32) green teams were assembled by Keep Texas Beautiful Affiliates to promote recycling and reduce litter at community events of various sizes (ranging in expected attendance from 75 people up to 100,000). 

Highlights reported from the 2007 Green Events included:

• Total amount of recyclable materials collected:  approximately 27.5 tons.
• Cost savings (reduced landfill disposal fees) reported up to $570.
• Earnings (payment received for recycled materials) reported up to $380.
• Amount of recyclables collected increased up to 59 percent.
• Staff time associated with litter cleanup reduced as much as 66 percent.

Green Events Brochure (PDF)
(Quick Checklist)

Green Events Toolkit (PDF)
(In-Depth Manual)

Read about the
Green Events program
Grassroots Volume 25, Issue 4