Corporate events are about bringing people together, inspiring teams, and marking achievements. But they also leave a footprint. With some thoughtful planning, you can still deliver on impact—without compromising the planet. This post offers ideas for making your next event both memorable and sustainable, especially through gifts, mementos, and keepsakes that carry meaning (and reduce waste).
Why Eco-Friendly Events Matter
Hosting events in a sustainable manner shows you care—not just about business, but about values. It helps reduce waste, carbon emissions, and negative environmental effects. Attendees appreciate when an event goes beyond minimal promises (e.g. “no plastic straws”) and embeds responsibility in its very design.
When gifts and awards are chosen thoughtfully, they don’t just celebrate the moment—they reinforce your brand, your values, and the idea that success and sustainability can go hand in hand.
Thoughtful Mementos, Medals & Gifts That Last
Here are strategies and ideas to make the items given to people—whether for recognition, appreciation, or attendance—ecological and meaningful.
Sustainable Medals & Awards
Instead of mass-produced metal or plastic trophies, go for medals, plaques or awards made from recycled wood, reclaimed metal, or bamboo. These materials have lower environmental costs and often look more beautiful with time. For example, there are suppliers that make eco-friendly wooden medals specifically for corporate or competition events.
Gifts & Giveaways People Use
Choose items people will want to keep and use, not throw away. Some ideas:
Plantable notebooks or seed paper stationery — tools for note-taking that grow into plants.
Eco pens, recycled paper pads, or items made from bamboo or cork.
Reusable drinkware (bamboo or stainless steel), organic cotton bags rather than disposable plastics.
Bags & Packaging with Purpose
If you give a bag or “goodie bag,” make it something that can be used again (and often). Use organic cotton, jute, or other natural fibres. Avoid plastic lining or lamination. Minimalist design often works best—less decorative waste, more function.
Custom, Local, Artisanal
Where possible, source from local artisans or makers. Not only does this lower the carbon footprint (less transport), but it supports local economies and produces more unique items. A custom memento or award designed locally often has more stories behind it.
Gifts with Stories
A simple card explaining the environmental material or the origin of the gift makes a difference. For example, noting that a trophy is made from reclaimed wood, or that a bag is organic cotton, plantable, etc. These stories build connection and encourage people to appreciate and keep the item.
Beyond the Gifts: Making the Whole Event Green
To ensure that your sustainable gestures are not just in the gifts, integrate eco-friendly practices across the event:
Use digital or mobile tools for invites, registrations, and event agendas to reduce paper.
Choose venues that support green practices: energy efficiency, good waste management, water conservation.
Plan for waste: compostable, recycling stations, and vendors who avoid excessive packaging.
Use lighting and audio/visual setups that are energy efficient. Natural light where possible.
Work with caterers who source locally, avoid plastic, and manage leftover food responsibly.
Tips to Get Started & Make It Stick
Define sustainability goals well in advance. Examples: “All awards must be made from sustainable materials”, “No plastic bags in swag”, “Packaging must be compostable or recyclable”, etc.
Budget not just for cost, but for long-term value. Sustainable items often cost a bit more, but if they are durable and appreciated, they enhance your reputation, reduce waste, and may save costs (less disposal, less frequent replacement).
Engage your suppliers early. Make sure everyone involved understands what sustainability means for this event.
Communicate the sustainable aspects to attendees. When people know why things are done a certain way, there is more respect, care, and often more buy-in.
After the event, review what worked and what didn’t. Collect feedback. Assess waste generated. Think about continuous improvements.
Conclusion
Eco-friendly corporate events aren’t about cutting corners—they’re about elevating what an event can be. By choosing meaningful medals, mementos, and gifts that align with environmental values, and by embedding sustainability in event design, you create an experience people will remember for both what you celebrated and how you did it.
