Sustainability at PAIKKA
On average, 2.4 million weddings take place in the United States every year with a typical guest count of 165. An event of 100 guests produces approximately 400-600 pounds of waste, much of which can be composted, recycled, or significantly reduced if intentional practices are put in place. These numbers shock us too, which is why we’re hoping to make a change and would like to invite you to do the same.
Our Sustainability Program
In 2020, PAIKKA launched our very own Sustainability Program. This incentive-based program is designed to encourage clients, event planners, and vendors to consider the environmental impact of their event.
Participation in our Sustainability Program is optional. If you choose to book a sustainable event at PAIKKA, you will be invited to plan your event with creativity, innovation, and individuality while adhering to our sustainability requirements. As our way of thanking you for choosing to participate in the program, you will receive a 10% discount on your venue rental cost. Please note that participation in this program must be included in your initial booking agreement with PAIKKA and you will be required to select vendors from our sustainable pre-approved vendor list.
Requirements for participation:
- First and foremost, clients must hire vendors from our pre-approved sustainable vendor list for the categories of coordination, catering, and floral. Please inquire for our current list of sustainable vendors.
- Absolutely no single-use plastic allowed onsite. Glassware, dishes, and all food and beverage service materials must be glassware, compostable, or reusable
- No printed programs for ceremonies and limited printed materials overall
- All food and floral must be local, organic, and/or fair-trade to the best of the vendors’ ability
- Food scraps, floral, and other waste must be composted, reused, or donated - not thrown in the garbage
- No straws or plastic cutlery are allowed
- Floral foam is not permitted, and all materials used by a florist must be compostable or reusable
We are reducing waste inside and out by:
- Reducing water and energy consumption via Energy Star-rated appliances
- Going digital. From contracts to communications to marketing, we print as little as possible
- Environmentally friendly and reusable cleaning products
- Composting and recycling on-site
- Sourcing locally as much as possible for in-house supplies and projects
- Our bar program sources responsibly as much as possible and we have 100% reusable glassware included in our beverage service