Hosting a community fete or event is a fantastic way to bring people together, celebrate local culture, and support small businesses. But with the growing need for environmental consciousness, why not make your next gathering a little greener? An eco-friendly event doesn’t have to be boring or restrictive—in fact, it can be just as fun, vibrant, and memorable as any traditional celebration. Here’s how you can pull it off while keeping sustainability in mind.
Start With Sustainable Fairground and Funfair Hire Services
One of the biggest attractions at any community fete is the funfair. Rides, games, and entertainment are a must, especially for family-friendly events. When looking into fairground or funfair hire, opt for companies that prioritise eco-conscious practices. Many modern providers now offer greener options such as energy-efficient rides, biodiesel-powered generators, and eco-friendly transport for their equipment.
Ask about their sustainability policy—do they recycle materials, reduce single-use plastics, or use LED lighting? Choosing a fairground or funfair hire specialist supplier that shares your values can set the tone for the whole event and send a clear message to attendees: fun and sustainability can go hand in hand.
Choose a Green Venue
Location matters. Choose a venue accessible by foot, bike, or public transport to reduce carbon emissions. Parks, community centres, or school fields are excellent options that also reduce the need for excessive décor or infrastructure. If your chosen venue already has amenities like restrooms and seating, that’s a bonus—it means less need for single-use or portable alternatives.
Go Plastic-Free
Single-use plastics are one of the biggest contributors to event waste. Encourage vendors to use compostable or recyclable materials and provide plenty of clearly labelled bins for recycling and food waste. You could even supply reusable cups or encourage a “bring your own bottle” policy, complete with water refill stations.
Support Local & Ethical Vendors
When booking food stalls, merchandise stands, or entertainers, consider local businesses that source their products responsibly. Look for organic or locally grown food options, and avoid vendors who rely heavily on disposable packaging. Not only does this reduce your event’s environmental impact, but it also helps to support your local economy.
Eco-Friendly Décor
Skip the balloons and plastic bunting. Instead, get creative with sustainable decorations—think reusable fabric banners, solar-powered fairy lights, or even upcycled materials from your local thrift store. Involve the community by hosting a pre-event decoration workshop where attendees can help craft signs, flags, and table settings.
Encourage Carpooling or Public Transport
Transportation is a huge factor in your event’s overall footprint. Promote carpooling via social media, provide incentives for cyclists (like free drink tokens), and clearly advertise local bus or train routes. You could even partner with local transport services to offer event-day discounts.
Leave No Trace
An eco-friendly event isn’t just about how it starts—it’s also about how it ends. Create a clean-up plan ahead of time. Get volunteers involved to help with waste sorting, and ensure your site is left as good—or better—than you found it. Compost any leftover food, recycle what you can, and donate unused goods.
Creating an eco-friendly community fete doesn’t mean sacrificing fun—it just means being a little more thoughtful in how you plan and execute it. And when your community sees how enjoyable and easy it can be to celebrate sustainably, you’ll inspire more green gatherings in the future.