Proper planning -- for example, having an accurate guest count by using electronic invitations & the use of affordable composting services -- makes the difference between trash cans full of uneaten food and relatively little food waste in compostable bins.  Food waste that goes to "the dump" does not break down like food in a commercial composting facility.  Food needs light, air and "turning" to breakdown into soil enriching compost.  Landfills are designed to prevent such a breakdown from occurring.

 

Events are all unique.  They have unique circumstances, budgets, purposes, etc.  Planning is the key to ensuring there is no undue harm brought to the environment.  For example, something that gets overlooked as a "green item" in planning an event --plan parking services for guests, instead of allowing a back-up of cars waiting to find a parking spot.  Many event planners don't consider this point as having anything to do with the "green" nature of their event.  However, check out this information:

 

"Idling cars are a major contributor to urban air pollution. Motor vehicle emissions account for approximately 77 percent of the carbon monoxide (CO), more than 35.6 percent of the volatile organic compounds (including hydrocarbons) and forty five percent of the nitrogen oxides (NOx) in our nation's air. The American Lung Association has cited vehicle exhaust as a prime contributor to respiratory problems. Make a commitment not to idle for more than 10 seconds and you'll improve your community's health, save gas, save money, and help reduce global warming gases." ~Stanford University School of Earth Sciences