Sustainable Events in Minneapolis

We all know that events can be massive waste producers, and we at The Luminare are determined to offer all our of clients the peace of mind knowing that we take action with every event and focus on sustainability, mainly zero waste practices. This is achieved in a variety of different ways, for example:

Florals & Decor:

Eliminate floral foam, re-use/rent vases, select a non-synthetic twine for things like garland (so it can be composted), and use The Luminare’s complimentary plants and florals, and event decor, like arches, frames, vases.

Caterers:

Package all food in non-disposable containers and pans, and be prepared to separate organic compostable manner like food scraps, recycling and waste at each event. Use vendors that have sustainably focused business, that support local farmers, that care about zero-waste, and sustainability in general.

Bar:

Compostable cups, upgrades to reusable glassware, eliminate single use plastic like straws and cups, and eliminate non compostable/recyclable garnishes.

Food Waste Donations:

If your caterer does not offer it, The Luminare has access to food shelters to donate any unused food.

Recycling FAQ’s:

WHAT CAN BE INCLUDED:

Plastic

  • Bottles, containers, tubs and lids smaller than 3 gallons  (#1, #2, #5)

Containers

  • Aluminum, steel, tin cans

  • Beer, wine, liquor bottles

  • Food jars

  • Glass jars

  • Pie tins

Paper

  • Brown grocery bags

  • Cardboard, flattened

  • Cereal, cracker, pasta boxes 

  • Dairy and juice cartons

  • Electronics boxes 

  • Foil containers

  • Mail, office & school paper

  • Magazines, catalogs

  • Newspapers and inserts

  • Phone books

  • Pop and beer boxes

  • Shoe boxes, gift boxes

DO NOT INCLUDE:

  • Auto, mirror or tinted glass

  • Batteries

  • Blueprints, transparencies

  • Carbon paper

  • Carpeting

  • Clothing

  • Hazardous waste or containers

  • Crystal glassware

  • Disposable diapers, plates

  • Egg carton boxes

  • Light bulbs

  • Metal or steel objects such as nails, wire, hangers or case strapping

  • Paper towels, napkins, tissue

  • Pet-soiled paper

  • Photos, photographic paper

  • Plastic bags

  • Pyrex, heat-resistant ovenware

  • Rubber-type materials, latex

  • Self-adhesive labels

  • Styrofoam

  • Toys

  • Wax coated boxes

Composting FAQ’s:

WHAT CAN BE INCLUDED:

ACCEPTABLE* FOR ORGANICS RECYCLING

  • All FOOD scraps

  • Pizza boxes

  • Egg cartons

  • Non-recyclable PAPER products:

  • Napkins, paper towels, tissues

  • Uncoated paper plates, cups, food containers, utensils

  • Uncoated paper straws

  • All BPI Certified compostable products certified by:

  • Biodegradable Products Institute
    and

  • Cedar Grove Certified Products

  • Other compostable products including:

  • Coffee grounds and filters

  • Tea bags

  • Plants and flowers

  • Wooden items such as chopsticks, popsicle sticks and toothpicks

DO NOT INCLUDE:

PLASTICS of any kind including: styrofoam, plastic bottles, condiment packets, plastic packaging, chip bags, candy wrappers, compostable plastics that do not meet BPI Certification standards.

  • Coffee cups not certified compostable

  • Fast food wraps, plastic coated paper, freezer boxes

  • Milk cartons, and other beverage cartons

  • Paper coated with foil

  • Cardboard boxes coated in wax

  • Wood pallets

  • METAL items including foil, metals, cans

  • Clothing

  • Glass

  • Diapers, sanitary products, pet waste

  • Cleaning wipes

  • Liquids or oil

  • Gum

  • Recyclable items: cartons, glass, plastic, paper, metal