Running a fundraising activity that involves recycling is an obvious way to combine raising funds for a good cause and saving the planet, but there are a number of other ways that you can make you fundraising activities more environmentally friendly.
The great thing about environmentally friendly methods is that they can save you money, which increases the funds you raise, though they may need a little more time to deliver. Each measure may seem very modest, but combined they soon add up.
Here are a few things to consider:
If your event involves food, can you use real plates, cutlery, cups and glasses?
Most community halls have a large stock of these that can be rented for a price well below the cost of paper plates and cups. Wine merchants and supermarkets usually have a stock of wine glasses that they provide with any large purchase. You’ll need a little extra time to clear up afterwards, but it is probably worth it to save the planet! If you really feel that disposable is the only route, use paper plates and cups, or better still the highly biodegradable starch ones.
Are you using cleaning materials for a carwash, or just as part of the event?
Simply buy the highly biodegradable, environment friendly versions.
Do people need to travel to get to your fundraising activity?
Try to find a venue that is well served by public transport. Advertise this fact in your publicity materials. If you are using electronic media (email and your website) to promote the event, put a link through to the transport timetable so that it is easy for people to find out how to use it.
If the event is for an existing group of people, encourage them to lift-share and reduce the number of car journeys involved.
Promotional materials?
Nearly all stationers now sell recycled paper, chose this instead of the forest hungry paper made from new pulp. Supermarkets and other stores throw out a great many large sheets of cardboard with their own advertising on only one side of them. Find out the day that they are next changing their display and ask to have the old posters. Use the blank side to mount your own advertising materials.
Try to print fewer materials and use email and websites to promote the event. A viral email can be very effective, asking friends and family to email invitations and news on to people they know who might also be interested. But you will still need some printed material as not everyone is hooked up to their email!
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