SUSTAINABILITY PROGRAM
WHy host a sustainable event?
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.
we are reducing waste inside and out by:
Going digital. From contracts to communications to marketing, we print as little as possible
Reducing water and energy consumption
Environmentally friendly and/or reusable cleaning products
Composting and recycling on-site
Shopping local as much as possible for in-house supplies
community conscious
Sustainability encompasses more than physical waste and excess. We are committed to supporting organizations that devote their time, energy, and resources toward lasting social and environmental change. PAIKKA also strongly believes that small businesses have a responsibility to foster and encourage positive social engagement and offer staff 25 hours per year of paid volunteer time.
We invite you to explore your event at paikka through a lens of sustainability.
Participation in our Sustainability Program is optional. As a sustainable partner with PAIKKA, you will be invited to plan your event with creativity, innovation, and individuality. As a part of making your event environmentally conscious, you will receive a 10% discount from your total rental cost as our way of showing appreciation for your partnership in promoting sustainable practices.
REQUIREMENTS for participation:
Those participating in our Sustainability Program are required to work with our pre-approved sustainable vendors for coordination, catering, and floral (see vendors below).
Absolutely no single-use plastic allowed onsite. Dishes and serving materials must be glassware, compostable, or reusable
No printed programs for ceremonies
All food must be local, organic, and/or fair-trade to the best of the vendors’ ability
Food scraps and waste must be composted - not thrown in the garbage. Catering staff are responsible for knowledge of composting and recycling criteria and sustainable practices, per PAIKKA’s standards
No straws, paper napkins, or plastic cutlery are allowed for guest use
Floral must be organic, locally derived, and seasonal to the best of the vendors’ ability. Floral foam is not permitted onsite, and all materials used by a florist must be compostable or reusable
paikka’s approved sustainable vendors:
While not everyone is ready to dive into a full scale sustainable event just yet, there are many simple, thoughtful steps you can take towards a more conscious, ethically responsible event.