The Future of Environmental Sustainability Within the Context of the Events Industry

We take environmental sustainability seriously at Opal Event Center. Using consistent top-tier sanitation, we are able to produce very little waste with reusable towels, glasses, silverware, plates, etc. There are 32 photovoltaic solar panels installed to the roof that supply us with consistent clean energy. We save water by using waterless urinals.  As event planning gets underway, we are implementing new policies to increase safety while staying in line with our sustainability promise to the community.

We have partnered with our preferred caterer in order to properly compost waste from events. This compost will include our new biodegradable plates, containers, napkins, and more. Taking this small step not only contributes to safer food practices by reducing reusable options for the present time but this also reduces the total quantity of waste from events. As usual, we continue to recycle all other items when possible.

We have ordered sustainably made hand sanitizer from Devil’s Canyon Brewing Company. This not only supports another local business - it ensures our workers and customers have access to sanitizer options in the most efficient and sustainable way possible. See this article from Climate Online Redwood City to learn more about this mission.

During this time, it is important for us to support local businesses, not only on a personal level, but on a corporate level as well. Many of us have been ordering curbside pickup or delivery from local restaurants. We have seen this happening in viral numbers. At a corporate level, we have also shifted the way we source new materials. By ordering from local companies, we mitigate large amounts of greenhouse gas emissions, not to mention the companies we are ordering from are also creating products in a sustainable way themselves. 

We will continue to implement environmentally conscious protocols during these upcoming months as we adapt to the new normal. The past couple months have been challenging, but we will persevere. Jean and I are looking forward to hosting you again and can’t wait to plan more incredible events soon. See you at Opal!

Kate and Jean Marie