10 Simple Zero‑Waste Practices for Corporate Events in India

sanjan ganguly
Sep 25
7 min read

Who says corporate events cannot be useful for the environment? In India, office parties, conferences, and company get-togethers usually result in large piles of plastic, excessive amounts of food, and stacks of paper. As per the research of PMC, India wastes food amounting to 68.76 million tonnes every year and corporate events are a major contributor to this figure.⁽¹⁾

What is positive is that events are certainly achievable and with thoughtful changes, can be impactful, memorable, cost-effective, and most importantly, sustainable. From eco-friendly workshops and zero-waste catering to many other green changes, small changes such as promoting green transport and eliminating single-use plastics can lead to a huge difference.

Positioning the company as a leader in corporate social responsibility (CSR) in India, this guide outlines 10 easy and implementable strategies to waste less, save more, boost employee engagement, and corporate reputation.

1. Set Clear Sustainability Goals

Before engaging with the catering companies or sending out invitations, define what the term ‘sustainability’ entails. Accessibility and zero waste entails cutting down on the use of single use plastics. Or drastically reducing food waste. Or even having the lights set to energy-efficient mode during the whole event and venue.

A tip serves: whatever objectives you have, document them and serve them on a ‘take what you need’ basis. Construct a ‘Green Pledge’ as a hardcopy or an editable digital poster. For example:

“Reduce single-use plastics by 80%”
“Compost all leftover food”
“Use 100% digital invites”

Tracking metrics as simple as the leftover food, reusable cups, or carpool participants is critical. These metrics prove a definable impact beyond what is on paper.

2. Choose an Eco-Friendly Venue

The Venues are the primary steps toward measurable sustainability targets. In Bengaluru, Mumbai, and Delhi, look for sites that engage in green practices, such as the following:

Use of water-saving devices and lights that make use of lower energy
Waste Management systems and processes
Recognized certifications: LEED, IGBC, and the like

Examples: ITC Gardenia in Bengaluru and other Taj Hotels. Their reputation for eco-friendly practices makes them excellent venues for green events.

For intimate events, there is no requirement for a 5 star establishment. Eco-resorts, community halls that have rainwater harvesting systems, and even college auditoriums are adequate. Open-air courtyards are also an excellent venue as they conserve energy and eco-sustainably encourage connection to nature.

3. Go Digital with Invitations & Communication

Ditch paper invites – use emails or e-invites, or Social Media RSVP or WhatsApp groups.
Share event materials digitally – Distribute Agenda, Program, and Venue Maps materials via Google Drive, Slack, or the event’s dedicated app.
Centralize communication – Advanced Communication Tools enable real-time updates and communication, and support participant engagement through feedback or Q&A.
Include remote participants – With the use of Digital Communication Tools, Hybrid Events are feasible and support the reduction of travel and carbon emissions.
Highlight sustainability – Digital forms are the most accessible and cost-effective options in event management of Zero Waste, in India.

4. Partner with Sustainable Vendors

Choosing sustainability minded vendors makes a great impact for your corporate event's overall sustainability. First, prioritize the catering, as they will have locally sourced & seasonal ingredients, and provide or offer a plant based or vegetarian menu option. Having plant based meal options greatly reduces the overall carbon footprint of an event.

If you simply must use tableware and decorations, require that your vendor use a provider that uses reusable and/or compostable or biodegradable materials such as steel or bamboo utensils, banana leaf plates or fabric banners versus plastic streamers. Potted plants are fun decorations and can be reused or donated after the event.

Do not leave out energy efficiency either. Hire an AV company and lighting vendor that uses LED lights and/or solar power. There are local Indian businesses that will provide catering, decorations & logistics which can help reduce transportation emissions and create a great community connection.

By engaging with sustainable vendors, you are well on your way to achieving all of your goals for your sustainability event by having a zero-waste, eco-friendly and authentic planning.

5. Implement Zero-Waste Catering

The challenge of food wastage poses an extreme challenge in a country like India and is often heightened by corporate functions. If planned properly, the catering can achieve both social and environmental goals.

Plan smartly: Avoid excess food wastage by taking accurate head counts and serving in small refillable portions.
Go traditional: Use eco-friendly options like earthen bowls, kulhads, or mitti ke bartan for desserts and snacks.
Give back: Work with NGOs like Goonj, or local community kitchens to give away the food that hasn’t been touched.
Close the loop: Leftover organics can be composted, and your office garden will appreciate that.

Let the catering achieve social impact by extending the catering strategy above and combining social impact with environmental.

6. Replace Single-Use Items

Ditch disposable tableware – All single-use plastic cups, plates and cutlery should be replaced with steel or bamboo, or other reusable alternatives. Kulhads or banana leaf plates would also be great for a more traditional approach.
Encourage reusable bottles and bags – Employees should be encouraged to bring their own water bottles, tote bags and coffee cups. As a form of sustainable swag, branded stainless steel bottles can be provided.
Focus on small yet impactful swaps – There are single-use stirrers, straws and napkins which can be converted to biodegradable and more sustainable options.
Set up refill stations – Place coolers or water dispensers in various areas of the venue to cut down on the consumption of bottled water.
Create awareness and engagement –Stick clear labels on bins, and bring volunteers to assist participants with the correct disposal and reuse of items.

7. Educate Attendees on Sustainability

Educating participants is crucial to creating real impact during your corporate event. Use simple bilingual instructions on signage for recycling bins, compost, and landfills to help with proper waste sorting. Mini interactive classes or lectures can teach useful skills such as composting, reducing the use of single-use plastics, and material reuse.

Sustainability-focused event talks with short tips on the topic, along with the use of relevant Indian case studies like Goonj’s upcycling and community composting projects, can enrich the event. Employees can be engaged as ‘Green Champions’ to support their peers in providing guidance and reinforcing the teaching during the entire day. It is through the combination of interactive knowledge sharing and learning that the green practices from the event can be integrated into day-to-day operations, enhancing the long-term sustainability culture of corporate India.

8. Promote Eco-Friendly Transportation

Getting to and from the event often creates a big chunk of the carbon footprint. Make travel greener—and more fun—by offering smart alternatives:

Run a Green Commute Challenge: Reward employees who carpool, cycle, or use public transport.
Partner for convenience: Tie up with metro or bus services to offer discounted group travel.
Support clean rides: Provide bicycle stands and parking spaces for e-scooters at the venue.
Think hybrid: Offer virtual access for those who don’t need to be there in person.
Make it engaging: Show real-time CO₂ savings on a scoreboard—gamifying sustainability motivates everyone to join in.

9. Track, Measure & Share Impact

Turning an event green is one thing—but seeing the results makes it real. Start by measuring waste reduction: how much food was donated, how many single-use plastics were avoided, or how much electricity was saved thanks to energy-efficient lighting. In India, you can also track local sourcing impact, like the number of farmers supported or transport emissions saved by using nearby suppliers.

Make it visible and fun—post infographics on your intranet or social media, celebrate employees who brought reusable bottles, or spotlight volunteers at compost stations. A “Green Scoreboard” during the event, showing real-time updates on waste diverted and carbon saved, turns abstract numbers into a tangible, exciting challenge.

By tracking, measuring, and sharing your impact, your corporate event doesn’t just reduce footprints—it inspires a culture of sustainability, sets an example for future events, and makes everyone feel part of something meaningful.

10. Engage Employees in Sustainability Efforts

Form eco-teams or volunteer groups – Assign staff to manage waste segregation, composting, and zero-plastic initiatives during the event.
Encourage friendly competitions – Track who brings reusable bottles, minimizes leftover food, or contributes most to eco-friendly décor.
Incorporate Indian traditions – Use earthen pots (matkas), banana leaves, cloth banners, bamboo décor, or handwoven items to make participation fun and culturally meaningful.
Foster ownership and pride – Employees actively planning and executing sustainability initiatives feel a personal connection to the event’s success.
Promote long-term eco-habits – Practices adopted during events, like carrying steel bottles or reusable plates, encourage lasting behavior change.
Boost team engagement – Collaborative green efforts build teamwork, morale, and a shared sense of purpose while reflecting India’s local culture.

Case Study: Bank of Baroda MMER – From Awareness to Action

While the objective of Bank of Baroda MMER in engaging with Greenmyna Sustainability Consultants and Eyesea was clear and had a cleanup goal, the objective also extended into a call to heighten awareness among staff about sustainability engagements in their daily lives, not just in the workplace. The education piece was more than just symbolic actions; rather it was about considering the unseen impact of daily-use plastic, discarded textiles releasing microplastics, and easy substitutions employees could integrate into their everyday habits. As a result, the awareness translated into action with staff bringing items from home, with 90 kg of clothes, 15 kg of books and paper, and 5 kg of plastic and toy bottles collected. What the participants seemed to consider waste were considerations of how we can repurpose and rethink impact; rather showing that corporate sustainability relies on awareness and linking personal behaviors with professional responsibility.

Conclusion

Hosting waste-free office celebrations isn’t just a trend—it’s a chance to lead by example and make a real impact. By embracing these simple eco-friendly practices, companies in India can cut environmental footprints, inspire employees, and showcase their commitment to sustainability to clients and partners alike. Start with small changes—like reusable décor, zero-plastic catering, or carpool incentives—track your progress, celebrate wins, and gradually scale up your green initiatives for bigger, more impactful events.

For companies looking for expert guidance, Greenmyna Sustainability Consultants can help plan and execute zero-waste corporate events, offering tailored strategies that make sustainability simple, actionable, and fun. Every eco-conscious choice at your office party doesn’t just reduce waste—it sparks a culture of sustainability that can ripple across your workplace and beyond.

Ready to host a truly sustainable office event? 🌱 Connect with Greenmyna Sustainability Consultants today to plan a zero-waste, eco-friendly corporate celebration that inspires your team, impresses your clients, and sets a benchmark for sustainability in India. Start your green journey now!