Event Planning

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 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.

Please use our Green Event Guide when planning your next event. Feel free to contact Sustainability with questions.

 Green Event Guide

If you are a student interested in helping us to improve this guide, or if you otherwise have suggestions for improvement, please reach out to us!

Do you host regular events and seek financial support for making them more sustainable? Consider the Green Fund grant program.

Considering an event at the SIU Student Center? Check out their green guidelines and recommendations.