Event Planning

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Are you planning a campus event? No matter the size of your event, you can take steps to make your event more sustainable; including the promotion of sustainability and the environmental benefits of responsible consumption.

You can even strive to be Zero Waste, where all materials used can be reused, recycled, or composted as opposed to being added to landfills. We are here to help you! Contact us at sustainability@siu.edu for a consultation.

Services offered by the Sustainability Office include:

Waste planning leading up to the event.
Waste station set up.
Volunteers on the event day.
Signage resources.

Example Events

We've collaborated with several campus groups to reduce and divert waste generated at their events. Below, you can see examples of the campus Water Dawg and sample waste stations from a variety of events. Waste stations vary depending on the location/size/style of the event. In spring 2019, we were able to divert food waste at several events including the International Food Festival, SIU Day, and during the Leadership Over Lunch program.

Water Dawg

Water Dawg is a water refill station that provides potable water at outdoor events. This provides us with a way to stay hydrated without using disposable water bottles, thereby reducing plastic waste. SIU units interested in requesting a Water Dawg for their event can reach out to Plant and Service Operations at foc@pso.siu.edu or 453-3621.

Water Dawg Best Practices

Event Promotion (before the event)

Include in flyers, social media posts, other announcements that the Water Dawg will be in attendance and patrons should bring a refillable water bottle!

During the Event

Announce the location of the Water Dawg. Even if patrons did not bring a refillable bottle or cup, they will hear the sustainability message and understand that it is a priority for SIU. Example announcement:
- "Stay cool and hydrated! We offer a water bottle refill station located at (INSERT LOCATION). Help us to create a greener, healthier (or more sustainable) SIU!”

During the Event (if water bottles or cups are being given away)

If you are making announcements, consider including something like the following:
- “The water bottles (or cups) given out today, compliments of ____________, are reusable and refillable. At SIU we strive to be more sustainable every single day. Please carry these bottles with you and refill them at home or at any of our 30+ indoor water bottle refill stations (located in buildings across campus).
For events at the beginning of the year (like Saluki Start-up, when you know the Water Dawg will be at other events):
- “Please bring your bottle (or water cup) back to all of our Saluki Start-up events! Help us to create a greener, healthier (or more sustainable) SIU!”
Station your free water bottles near the Water Dawg. When the bottles are being given away, reiterate what is above.
- Some items we shared when people will filling bottles:
  - They are reusable, refillable, and should be brought to other events.
  - They will save the students money.
  - They can be refilled at any of the 30+ indoor water bottle refill stations (located in buildings across campus).

During Event Clean-up (if water bottles or cups are being given away)

Look for any water bottles (or cups) left at the event. (You may need to communicate with Grounds.) If you do not know the rightful owner, pass them along to the Sustainability Office and we’ll add it to our water bottle lost/found station.