2 years ago my husband and I created an event called Salsa Brunch. It combines our passion for brunch and dancing and since it didn’t exist we decided to make it happen.

I believe that as a business owner or event organizer you have a tremendous responsibility and the possibility to use your platform to do good. Since adopting more of a zero waste lifestyle a couple of years ago the aspects of sustainability are always on my mind in every decision I am taking. The obvious decision to run our event in a sustainable way has not always been easy or possible. But it became increasingly more important to me to align all of my beliefs with my business ventures as well. I have to say that it stops us a lot of times from executing something because some ideas would just generate too much trash. We have finally found a venue that supports our beliefs more than others have in the past and also strongly believes in sourcing ethically and locally.

Our next brunch on August 5th, 2018 will be at our new venue “Tacombi” with a special edition: Salsa Brunch presents Taco Party. The food at our new venue is organic, GMO-free, free of antibiotics, hormones, and additives. Check out more about their philosophy here.

The issue of reducing plastic is always a big one on my agenda so we spoke to the venue about it. They already don’t automatically add straws to the drinks, which is great. A lot of times you get a straw without even asking for it. So if you come to join our party reconsider if you really need a straw and even better bring your own reusable straw if you really need/want one.

Here are a few things we have done so far to reduce salsa brunches impact on the environment and we will thrive to keep pushing for more in the future:

1. We don’t have business cards or flyers because although they are a cheap and effective marketing tool, we don’t think all the trash generated is worth it. We decided to use social media marketing instead.
2. We don’t use wristbands at our event. A lot of wristbands are completely unnecessary and often coated with plastic. At our event, you will get a stamp if you choose to leave and want to come back.
3. We talked to our venue about not giving out straws unless someone asks about it.
4. We don’t work with venues that serve drinks in disposable cups for example.

Everyone can do those simple steps, so if you are an event organizer or business owner, try it next time you organize something.

As a customer this is how you can help out to reduce the impact at events or in restaurants:

1. Refuse straws. Bring a reusable straw if you really want or need one.
2. If you know that you normally don’t finish your food and get it to go, bring your own container, or share a portion with a friend to avoid food waste.
3. Support businesses that don’t use disposables and are eco-conscious. Let businesses know how you feel by using your $$$.
4. Don’t accept flyers especially if your intention is to throw it into the next trashcan. Snap a picture with your phone of a flyer or business card instead.

If you are in NYC this weekend, stop by and join in the fun. Our event is very friendly and you don’t have to be a dancer to have a great time. Please help us spread the word and invite your friends and family member that love tacos, dancing and would like to support an event that cares about the environment. For more information and to get tickets, click here.

If you have experience with running sustainable events and have resources to share please comment in the section below. Also if you are a venue that aligns with our beliefs we would love to work with you.

Cheers,

~Annika