Village and association events play an important role in building community, but they are increasingly seen as places to promote environmental responsibility. Sustainable event production does not just mean sorting waste, but a holistic way of thinking that takes into account ecological, social and cultural perspectives.
Currently, the Seinäjoki District is focusing on improving the ecology of the area and special attention is paid to environmental friendliness when organizing events. The themes are related to the ongoing District Our Common Environment project, for which the project manager is Juulia Mäkilainen working.
Juulia says that the starting point for Piiri's events is the surrounding nature and respect for it. At the same time, they ensure that recycling works and that ecological choices are made easy for people.
– If I take Teatteri Hysteria as an example, the stage design is always built using existing elements or recycled materials, so that only the very last option is to order something new.
On a practical level, making ecological choices easy means, for example, careful planning of recycling points and waste management cooperation with local operators.
The principles of sustainability can be implemented at many levels – including in procurement and communications. A lecturer at Seinäjoki University of Applied Sciences Jussi Kareinen reminds us that ecological responsibility is only one part of a sustainable event.
– Sustainable development also consists of a social and cultural dimension. Social sustainable development means, for example, accessibility, such as taking special groups into account in events, Jussi says.
The common message is clear: ecology should be presented positively, not through blame.
For small events, the steps for sustainable operations can be simple: favoring local food, using shared recycling containers, and reinforcing teamwork.
Jussi believes that an event can be made more sustainable without even noticing it, for example by placing the vegetarian option first on the serving table,
– Don't make it more of a big deal and maybe someone will be encouraged and dare to try and taste it. Especially people who may never have tasted much vegetarian food without realizing it will do this as an act of sustainable development or choose a more ecological option.
Interviewees also highlight the importance of cooperation. Joint technology procurement, sharing of event equipment and regional production collaborations could reduce costs and environmental impact.
Juulia and Jussi summarize the most important tips: plan carefully, communicate positively, and make responsibility an experience. Puppet theaters, recycling workshops, and joint idea-building events make sustainability approachable and fun.
– Make things experiential. For example, in our district, we have used puppetry to discuss ecology, says Juulia.
Want more ideas for creating a sustainable event? Listen to the Sustainable Events podcast episode On Youtube or On Spotify, where Juulia and Jussi, among others, come up with an insane idea that concerns the whole of Southern Ostrobothnia!