Waste management in participatory events in coastal areas that obtain the sustainability seal.
About this good practice
The main problem is the large amount of waste generated. This challenge is exacerbated at events in special natural or aquatic environments, where improper management can severely impact the local ecosystem. The need for more sustainable events has driven the introduction of practices that minimise waste and reduce environmental impact from planning to execution.
The practice focuses on waste minimisation in three stages:
1. Event planning: reuse of infrastructure and materials, use of sustainable temporary facilities and cooperation with local stakeholders are promoted to reduce the purchase of new materials and avoid waste at the end of the event.
2. Waste management during the event: single-use items are eliminated, comprehensive waste collection systems are implemented and incentives are created to reward sustainable behaviour.
3. Communication campaigns are launched before and during the event to raise awareness among attendees about proper waste management and the importance of participating in sustainability initiatives. Visual solutions and clear signage are used to guide participants.
The main stakeholders are the event organisers, sponsoring companies, local suppliers and public administrations that support sustainable practices. The main beneficiaries are the event attendees, who participate in a cleaner and more sustainable environment. Indirectly, the local community and the environment also benefit, as waste and ecological impact in the event area are reduced.
Resources needed
The adoption of the proposed measures involves the provision of municipal waste management services. Municipal expenses derive from the differentiated collection of waste and the savings come from the unnecessary cleaning of the beaches where the event took place.
Evidence of success
Waste reduction.
All event equipment has been reused and donated. Zero purchases of support materials. Zero waste of race numbers. 95% participation in collaboration. 100% collaboration with the organization. 80% responsible purchasing (minimization of packaging and containers. Fruit from local businesses). Waste separation with less than 20% of inappropriate waste (mixture of lightweight packaging and organic waste). 100% separation and proper management of paper and cardboard packaging.
Potential for learning or transfer
This practice may be interesting for other regions due to its flexibility and adaptability to different contexts. Below are the key factors that facilitate the transfer of this good practice, as well as the challenges that may arise when implementing it in new environments:
Key success factors for transfer
1. Adaptability
2. Simplicity and replicability
3. Support from local stakeholders
4. Positive and visible impact
5. Commitment to the environment
Factors that may hinder transfer
1. Limited infrastructure for waste management
2. Lack of public awareness
3. Costs and resources for adaptation
4. Regulatory context that hinders adaptation
Supply planning based on the number of attendees. Reducing the amount of packaging waste generated.Reducing the types of materials. Using these events as a marketing traction for suppliers. Adopting new habits in event planning.