Sips for Change

The 2026 World Cup built zero new stadiums and still became the most carbon-intensive tournament ever held, with independent estimates ranging from 7.8 to 15 million tons of CO2e. Almost 88 percent of that came from one thing: fan travel.
What you'll learn:
-Identify where your event's footprint actually sits, and why measuring venue energy first wastes your best hours
-Copy four host-city tactics that worked on ordinary budgets, from three-stream waste systems to free shuttle routes
-Write sustainability claims that survive regulatory scrutiny, using the exact standard that ruled against FIFA's carbon-neutral claim in 2023
-Build a wet bulb globe temperature trigger into your outdoor event plan before you need one
-Audit who was excluded from your last event, not just whether it sold out
We want to hear from you: what's one sustainability claim you've seen on an event website that you didn't quite believe, and what would have made you believe it?
 
RESOURCES
https://greenly.earth/en-gb/leaf-media/data-stories/fifa-world-cup-2026whats-the-real-carbon-footprint
https://www.unep.org/news-and-stories/story/can-nature-win-next-world-cup-lessons-2026-host-cities
https://blogs.law.columbia.edu/climatechange/2023/07/03/the-2022-qatar-world-cup-was-greenwashed-the-swiss-fairness-commission-finds-in-favor-of-six-ngos-alleging-misleading-and-unfair-advertisement-by-fifa/
https://carbonmarketwatch.org/2023/06/07/foul-play-advertising-regulator-gives-fifa-red-card-for-billing-world-cup-as-carbon-neutral/
https://www.sportresolutions.com/news/swiss-fairness-commission-finds-fifa-made-false-statements-that-qatar-world-cup-was-carbon-neutral
https://www.worldweatherattribution.org/climate-change-big-player-at-fifa-world-cup-2026/
https://www.climatecentral.org/climate-matters/world-cup-stadiums
https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/49343877/fifa-world-cup-fifpro-temperature-heat-protocol-talks-sources
https://theconversation.com/world-cup-2026-why-moving-games-to-evenings-isnt-enough-to-tackle-extreme-heat-problem-283410
https://www.thestadiumbusiness.com/2026/07/20/world-cup-wraps-up-with-record-setting-attendance/
https://theworlddata.com/fifa-world-cup-attendance-statistics/
https://theconversation.com/the-ticket-price-fiasco-for-the-mens-fifa-world-cup-has-been-a-spectacular-own-goal-282532
https://cnr.ncsu.edu/news/2026/07/fifa-world-cup-ticket-prices-travel-barriers-limit-fan-access/
https://www.knkx.org/environment/2026-07-05/traffic-transit-trash-seattle-shows-what-it-can-do-during-the-world-cup
https://inside.fifa.com/tournament-organisation/world-cup-2026-sustainability-strategy
https://visitqatar.com/content/dam/visitqatar/img/things-to-do/get-inspired/fifa-files/greenhouse-gas-accounting-report.pdf
https://www.newweather.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/FIFAs_climate_blind_spot.pdf
https://time.com/article/2026/06/03/carbon-emissions-2026-fifa-world-cup/
https://sustainabilitymag.com/news/world-cup-2026-the-energy-use-of-fifas-largest-tournament
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/jun/30/world-cup-matches-extreme-heat 
https://barlamantoday.com/2026/07/11/reuters-analysis-finds-no-2026-world-cup-match-has-reached-fifas-extreme-heat-threshold/ 
https://thehill.com/business/5798841-soccer-fans-complaint-2026-fifa-world-cup-ticket-prices-europe/
 

AV might not be the first thing that comes to mind when planning a sustainable event — but it should be. In this episode of Sips for Change, Martine and Tammy break down how audio visual choices quietly drive up event emissions, costs, and waste — and what planners can do about it.
From LED lighting and modular stage setups to smarter vendor questions and logistics planning, this episode is packed with practical strategies to make your next event more efficient without sacrificing production quality.
Whether you're an event planner, hospitality professional, or venue manager, you'll walk away with a clear framework for rethinking AV from the ground up — starting at the very first planning call.
In this episode:
Why AV has a bigger sustainability footprint than most planners realize
How to brief your AV team for lower-impact outcomes
Equipment swaps that cut energy use without cutting quality
The questions every planner should be asking their AV vendors
Where to start if you're just beginning your sustainability journey
Small shifts. Real impact. That's the Sips for Change way.
 
RESOURCES
https://audiovideogroup.com/sustainable-av-greener-installations-for-a-brighter-future/
https://www.ems-events.co.uk/sustainable-event-production-av-esg
https://xchange.avixa.org/posts/sustainability-in-the-av-industry-leading-companies-making-an-impact
https://sonusevents.com/led-vs-traditional-lighting-performance-a-practical-guide-for-event-organisers/
https://canadianspecialevents.com/practical-av-tips-for-reducing-an-events-carbon-footprint/
https://ccsprojects.com/the-green-side-of-av-sustainable-solutions-for-modern-businesses/
https://avdusa.com/tips-for-sustainable-corporate-events/
https://www.cinos.net/blog/why-av-is-key-to-a-greener-it-strategy/
https://rentforevent.com/blog/sustainable-av-solutions-a-practical-guide-to-eco-friendly-events/
https://insights.eventscouncil.org/Portals/0/Documents/Sustainability/Standards/E_%20Audio%20Visual.pdf?ver=2019-10-24-120139-560
https://inevent.com/blog/events/plan-sustainable-event-complete-guide.html
https://ozone.unep.org/sites/default/files/Greening/22UNOzone_EMSManual.pdf
 

Tampere jumped from 23rd to 6th in the Global Destination Sustainability Index in just one year — and it wasn't by accident. 
In this episode of Sips for Change, we break down exactly how this Finnish city made it happen: renewables powering 56% of its electricity, 100% certified venues, and a social inclusion model that most cities haven't even thought about yet.
If you plan events, work in tourism, or care about what truly sustainable cities look like — this one's for you.
🎧 Listen, learn, and take notes. Tampere is setting the standard.
 
SOURCES
https://visittampere.fi/en/news/tampere-climbs-to-the-worlds-top-six-in-sustainable-tourism-benchmarking/
https://www.gds.earth/index/top-40-cities/
https://circularcitiesdeclaration.eu/cities/tampere
https://www.gds.earth/destination/tampere/2025/
https://smart-tourism-capital.ec.europa.eu/winners-and-finalists/cities-2026/tampere-2026-european-capital-smart-tourism_en
https://transition-pathways.europa.eu/tourism/news/tampere-crowned-2026-european-capital-smart-tourism

The US wastes roughly between 60-100 million tons of food every year while 47 million Americans face food insecurity. Event planners sit at the middle of that gap every single time a buffet gets broken down and the leftovers go in the trash.
In this episode, Tammy sits down with Robert Lee, CEO of Rescuing Leftover Cuisine (RLC), to break down how food rescue actually works, why the liability fears most planners have are largely a myth, and what you can do at your very next event to be part of the solution.
What you'll learn:-Understand how a real food rescue operates, from end-of-event pickup to delivery, so you know exactly what to plan for-Identify the actual barriers to food donation at events (and which ones are real versus assumed)-Know your legal protections as a food donor under the Bill Emerson Good Samaritan Food Donation Act-Add food rescue into your standard RFP and caterer conversations before your next event-Translate food rescue impact into measurable ESG metrics for corporate clients
What's the single biggest barrier you've hit when trying to do something about food waste at your events? Drop it in the comments — venue, caterer, client, or something else. We want to know where the real friction is.
RESOURCESRLC Website - https://www.rescuingleftovercuisine.org/Robert Lee's LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertlee2/Robert Lee's Book - https://a.co/d/0fAGXAXP
SOURCEShttps://www.ers.usda.gov/topics/food-nutrition-assistance/food-security-in-the-us/key-statistics-graphicshttps://frac.org/news/usdafoodsecurityreportdec2025https://www.epa.gov/facts-and-figures-about-materials-waste-and-recycling/food-material-specific-datahttps://www.statista.com/topics/1623/food-waste/

Glasgow isn't just talking about sustainable events — it's built the systems to actually deliver them.
In this episode of Sips for Change, Tammy and Martine explore why Glasgow has climbed to 5th place in the GDS Index for sustainable business events, and what that ranking really means for event planners on the ground.
 
SOURCES
https://www.gds.earth/destination/glasgow/2025/
https://www.visitglasgow.org.uk/sustainability/#:~:text=Glasgow%20is%20one%20of%20the,100%20destinations%2C%20across%20the%20world. 
https://www.glasgowlife.org.uk/about-us/colleague-information/colleague-updates/glasgow-recognised-as-one-of-the-world-s-top-cities-for-its-commitment-to-sustainable-business-tourism
https://www.glasgowlearningcity.co.uk/article/2882/Green-and-Healthy
www.hostcity.com/news/city-development/glasgow-hailed-one-worlds-top-five-cities-sustainable-business-tourism 
www.uil.unesco.org/en/learning-cities/glasgow 
https://www.visitglasgow.org.uk/news/glasgow-s-record-year-for-conferences-boosts-local-economy/ 
https://www.conference-news.co.uk/news/glasgow-convention-bureau-explores-legacy-cop26/
https://www.acforum.net/about/net-zero-carbon-events-initiative/
https://www.netzerocarbonevents.org/wp-content/uploads/JMIC-Media-Release_Global-Events-Industry-Presents-Net-Zero-Carbon-Events-Pledge-at-COP26-1.pdf
https://www.pcma.org/net-zero-carbon-events-pledge-cop26/
https://www.oecd.org/content/dam/oecd/en/publications/reports/2021/11/the-circular-economy-in-glasgow-united-kingdom_fe739891/7717a310-en.pdf
https://vocal.media/earth/glasgow-s-waste-management-revolution
https://www.netregs.org.uk/news/climate-week-spotlight-how-change-waste-recycling-is-leading-the-way/
https://www.euansguide.com/news/where-are-glasgow-s-accessible-gig-venues
https://www.sec.co.uk/visitor-information/accessibility
https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/equalitydiversity/policy/accessevents/
https://www.glasgowlife.org.uk/news/glasgow-events-strategy-to-2035-launched
https://carbonneutralcities.org/cities/glasgow/

Aalborg, Denmark might not be the first city that comes to mind for your next conference or association event — but maybe that's exactly why it should be.
In this episode of Sips for Change, Tammy and Martine head to Northern Jutland to explore Aalborg as a meetings destination through the lens of the GDS Index. From its compact, walkable city centre to its impressive social sustainability credentials, Aalborg is quietly punching well above its weight.
RESOURCES:https://www.aal.dk/about/sustainabilityhttps://www.gds.earth/destination/aalborg/2025/https://www.enjoynordjylland.com/aalborgcvb/sustainabilityhttps://aal.dk/about/sustainabilityhttps://bst-europe.eu/globalization/aalborg-sustainability-is-in-the-focus/https://projects.au.dk/infrapublics/civic-communication/smart-city-projects/aalborg-sustainability-festivalhttps://prizes.new-european-bauhaus.europa.eu/application/aalborg-east-isolated-inclusivehttps://www.groenturisme.dk/sites/groenturisme.com/files/2025-02/2024%20Sustainable%20Denmark%20-Leading%20the%20Charge%20or%20Fhttps://projects.au.dk/infrapublics/civic-communication/smart-city-projects/aalborg-sustainability-festival"

In this episode, Tammy sits down with Renee Rubens of Symphony of Tea Leaves to uncover why tea is quietly becoming one of the most powerful tools for conscious living. 
From farm to cup, we explore how this simple beverage can support the planet, uplift communities, and create beautiful alcohol-free connections. Renee also shares her personal journey and practical wisdom as we dive into some questions about sustainable tea sourcing and experiential tea events. 
Whether you’re already a tea lover or just beginning to rethink what’s in your cup, this episode will leave you inspired to sip with intention and purpose.
RESOURCESrenee.rubens@symphonyofleavestea.comhttps://symphonyofleavestea.com/https://www.instagram.com/symphonyofleavestea/

We’re back with the final part of our mini-series on Sustainable Consumerism! Join us as we explore some of the most important sustainability certifications and ecolabels across the Asia-Pacific region.
From China and Japan to Taiwan and India, we break down how these certifications help consumers and event planners identify products and services that are actually doing better for people and the planet — not just saying they are.
If you’re an event planner, a conscious consumer, or just someone trying to shop with more intention, this episode is your guide to navigating the sustainable labels shaping the future of the region.
𝙍𝙀𝙎𝙊𝙐𝙍𝘾𝙀𝙎https://globalecolabelling.net/organisation/china-environmental-labelling/https://english.news.cn/20260104/fd89a635ccee4ef6a76e53ad807985a6/c.html https://j4ce.env.go.jp/en/member/231/ https://globalecolabelling.net/organisation/eco-mark-program/ https://www.moenv.gov.tw/en/env-affairs/b30c66c/green-mark-management/green-mark-criteria/519.htmlhttp://www.rpclab.com/en/taiwan_greenmark.phphttps://ciigreenpro.com/ https://www.un.org/esa/sustdev/sdissues/consumption/procurement/hyunjunggg.pdf https://www.keiti.re.kr/site/eng/02/10220000000002020092205.jsp https://www.ecomark.jp/pdf/20221201_Singapore.pdf "

In the final episode (Part 3) of our Traveler's Wellness series, Edyta Satchell, founder of Finelle®, guides us through the powerful "after" phase—turning post-travel fatigue, jet lag, and re-entry chaos into opportunities for reflection, recovery, and sustained growth.  
She shares powerful ways to process the full travel experience using insights from Beauty and the Travel Beast, so you can reverse the "Travel Beast" effects, spark real personal growth, and weave sustainable habits into your everyday life. 
We also dive into practical strategies for sustaining the inclusive communities and connections you built on the road—through thoughtful follow-ups, shared stories, and ongoing support that keep wellness and eco-conscious practices thriving. 
Leave every trip not just recovered, but upgraded—ready to lead, connect, and create positive ripples in your world.  Your journey doesn't end at arrival... it evolves.
𝙍𝙀𝙎𝙊𝙐𝙍𝘾𝙀𝙎Beauty and the Travel Beast: https://a.co/d/4m6JnEzCareer book: https://a.co/d/81o8MEcFREE smart packing guide: https://www.finelle.com/smart-packing-guide-freeFREE newsletter sign up: https://www.finelle.com/newsletter-signupSpeakers page: https://www.satchelleglobal.com/speakingEdyta on TV / media page: https://www.finelle.com/mediaIntro video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yo4BIX7KBa8Travel readiness checklist: https://www.finelle.com/the-travel-readiness-checklistAfter travel checklist: https://www.finelle.com/after-travel-checklistAll social media  @edytasatchell
You tube channels:Edyta Satchell: https://www.youtube.com/@edytasatchellFinelle Fab: https://www.youtube.com/@FinelleFab

Ever stared at a product wondering if "eco-friendly" actually means anything? 
In this episode of Sips for Change, Tammy and Martine break down the eco-labels and certifications shaping how we shop, build, and source across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa — from the EU Organic Logo and EU Ecolabel, to the Nordic Swan, Abu Dhabi's Estidama Pearl Rating, and Africa's own homegrown standards.
No greenwashing, no jargon — just what these labels actually mean and how to spot the real ones.
 
RESOURCEShttps://www.nordic-swan-ecolabel.orghttps://www.svanen.se/en/the-nordic-swan-ecolabel/history-of-nordic-swan-ecolabelhttps://globalecolabelling.net/organisation/nordic-swan-ecolabel​https://environment.ec.europa.eu/topics/circular-economy/eu-ecolabel_en​https://agriculture.ec.europa.eu/common-agricultural-policy/organic-farming/organic-logo_enhttps://www.eco-choicelabel.orghttps://www.arso-oran.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Developing-an-African-Ecolabelling-Scheme-2007.pdf https://www.ecolabelindex.com/ecolabels/?st=region%3Dafrica%3Bsubject%3Dproductshttps://www.safic.co.za/post/eco-choice-certificationhttps://sasint.us/info-hub/environmental-accreditation-statements/estidama-pearl-building-rating-systemhttps://www.dmt.gov.ae/-/media/Project/DMT/DMT/E-Library/0001-Manuals/PRRS/PRRS-Version-10.pdfhttps://www.apec.ae/post/building-a-sustainable-future-understanding-the-pearl-building-rating-system-pbrs-in-abu-dhabi https://www.tamimi.com/law-update-articles/estidama-the-sustainability-initiative-of-the-abu-dhabi-urban-planning-council/ https://www.dmt.gov.ae/-/media/Project/DMT/DMT/E-Library/Information-Bulletin-1-Mandate-for-Government-Projects-rev3.pdf https://www.prometric.com/exams/eprs https://www.dmt.gov.ae/-/media/Project/DMT/DMT/E-Library/0001-Manuals/PBRS/PBRS-Version-10.pdf