Sustainable Event Catering: A Guide to Green Practices for Your Next Event

What Does It Mean to Be a Green Caterer?

As a company certified in green practices, we are committed to sustainability. With our thoughtful approach to catering and dedication to the environment, we ensure that your celebration is not only memorable but also environmentally responsible.

Thoughtful Planning Reduces Food Waste

When events are meticulously organized, it becomes easier to implement sustainable practices. By carefully considering menu selections based on seasonal and local ingredients, we reduce the carbon footprint associated with food transport and excess production. We love working with local farmers like Fox Urban Farms in downtown Winchester, VA. 

Additionally, planning allows for accurate estimation of guest attendance, which helps in preparing just the right amount of food, ultimately decreasing leftovers and food waste. 

What do you do with leftover food after the event?

At the end of each event, our staff prepares to-go bags for guests who would like them—there’s so much love that goes into these! For weddings, we take special care to create a to-go box for the Bride and Groom, as well as for their families. By incorporating to-go bags, we are effectively reducing waste at your wedding, ensuring that delicious food is enjoyed long after the celebration. This thoughtful approach not only minimizes leftovers but also allows your guests to savor the special day in their own space, contributing to a more sustainable event.

Food Scraps and Kitchen Waste In A Commercial Catering Kitchen

Six Star Events is proud to implement practices that promote recycling. We are a certified recycler, which means we have gone through a verification process to ensure that we actively and responsibly manage our waste by recycling materials such as packaging, food scraps, and other disposable items. We adhere to specific standards and practices demonstrating our commitment to environmental sustainability in our operations. This includes proper sorting, collection, and disposal of recyclable materials. 

Sometimes, kitchen waste can be a bit tricky, landing somewhere between leftover quality and compostable scraps. We collect these scraps to support local wildlife centers. Here, we donate a variety of fresh vegetable and fruit leftovers. This initiative not only helps reduce waste but also supports the well-being of local wildlife.

Meat-Free Diet Accommodations

If your guests require meat-free or animal-product-free meals, or if you, as the host, would like to offer delicious vegetarian and vegan options for the entire event, we will work with you to create the perfect menu. By reducing the amount of meat offered, you can also minimize the eco-footprint of your event.

As caterers, we specialize in transforming your special occasions into unforgettable experiences with delicious, customized menus that accommodate all dietary needs, including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options. 

What are questions you can ask your catering company to find out more about their eco-friendly practices?

Inquire about their sourcing of local and seasonal ingredients, as well as their waste management strategies and how they minimize single-use plastics. Ask these event sustainability questions at your meeting with your caterer: 

You can also see more of our FAQ here.

• What sustainable sourcing practices do you use for your ingredients? 

• Do you prioritize local and seasonal produce in your menu planning? 

• How do you minimize food waste during and after events? 

• What happens to any leftover food after the event? 

• Do you have options for guests with dietary restrictions, such as vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free? 

• How do you handle food scraps and kitchen waste? 

• Can you provide to-go containers for guests who want to take leftovers? 

• What eco-friendly materials do you use for serving and packaging? 

• Are you involved in any local initiatives or partnerships that promote sustainability? 

• Can you share any examples of how you’ve implemented green practices in previous events?

Ready to get started? Click here to learn more about our full-service catering and event rental services.