Sips for Change

We're back with the next part of our mini-series on Sustainable Consumerism!
In this episode, we dive back into some other globally recognized certifications: Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), Rainforest Alliance, and Cradle to Cradle (C2C)—your guide to eco-friendly and ethical products.
What You'll Learn:
- How GOTS regulates organic textiles from farm to label, ensuring ethical and eco-friendly practices.
- Why Rainforest Alliance’s green frog seal supports sustainable agriculture and thriving communities.
- How Cradle to Cradle drives innovative, circular design for a healthier planet.
- Pros and cons of each certification to make informed shopping choices.
- Tips to spot authentic certifications and avoid greenwashing.
Whether you’re an event planner or an eco-conscious shopper, join us for this informative chat to shop smarter!
 
RESOURCES
https://global-standard.org/about-us/organisation
https://www.rainforest-alliance.org/about/
https://www.ethicalconsumer.org/food-drink/is-rainforest-alliance-ethical
https://www.leighday.co.uk/news/news/2021-news/women-claim-systemic-sex-abuse-on-tea-plantations-owned-by-british-brand-suppliers/
https://c2ccertified.org/the-institute
https://goodonyou.eco/cradle-to-cradle-certification/
https://c2ccertified.org/our-community/brands-manufacturers
https://blog.egecarpets.com/explore/why-should-architects-and-interior-designers-use-cradle-to-cradle-certified-building-materials
https://www.sciencealert.com/lego-will-no-longer-aim-to-use-recycled-plastic-heres-why

Join us in kicking off our new six-part mini-series as we dive into eco-labels like Fair Trade and B Corp. Discover what these certifications mean for your vendors as well as your everyday purchases—coffee, clothes, chocolate—and how they ensure sustainable practices. 
This episode will be part one of two, diving into some of the commonly recognized global certifications, before we dive into the regionally accepted certifications in future episodes.
What you’ll learn in this episode:- How Fair Trade, 1% for the Planet, and B Corp drive social and environmental impact- The rigorous processes behind these certifications- Real-world pros and cons to guide your sustainable choices
Whether you’re an event planner or an eco-conscious shopper, this episode empowers you to make purchases that align with your values!
 
RESOURCES: 
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/sustainability/articles/10.3389/frsus.2023.1188069/full 
https://ecocult.com/eco-friendly-ethical-sustainable-labels-certifications-clothing-fashion/ 
https://www.fairtradecertified.org/ 
https://www.fairtrade.net/us-en.html 
https://thesustainableagency.com/blog/sustainability-certifications-and-ecolabels-guide/#fairtrade 
https://www.foodunfolded.com/article/does-fairtrade-really-work 
https://danwatch.dk/en/child-labour-found-in-fairtrade-cocoa-plantations/ 
https://www.onepercentfortheplanet.org/ 
https://www.onepercentfortheplanet.org/annual-reports 
https://www.bcorporation.net/en-us/ 
https://www.businessinsider.com/b-corporation-b-lab-movement-and1-cofounder-2018-11 
https://www.bcorporation.net/en-us/certification/ 
https://www.bbc.com/worklife/article/20240202-has-b-corp-certification-turned-into-corporate-greenwashing 
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/truths-behind-b-corp-criticisms-why-now-time-walk-rippeteau-msmob-rfcjc
https://www.thecooldown.com/green-business/princess-polly-b-corp-fast-fashion-australia/

Welcome to the first episode of our new series! Today we're starting with a deep dive into one of the most powerful — and surprisingly under-the-radar — tools for sustainable event planners: the Global Destination Sustainability Index (GDS-Index).In this episode, we uncover what the GDS-Index is, why it’s a game-changer for finding sustainable destinations, and how it ranks cities across 77 criteria — from climate action and inclusivity to renewable energy use and circular economy practices.
✨ What you’ll learn:- How the GDS-Index measures sustainability across environmental, social, and industry benchmarks- Who's the #1 destination on the list for 2024- Real examples of award-winning cities and their innovative initiatives
Whether you’re sourcing venues across the globe or just starting your sustainability journey, this series will show you how to choose destinations that align with your vision — and maybe even inspire your next event location.
 
𝑹𝑬𝑺𝑶𝑼𝑹𝑪𝑬𝑺
https://www.gds.earth/index/
https://www.myhelsinki.fi/business/meet-in-helsinki/
https://www.myhelsinki.fi/live-work/equality-in-helsinki-freedom-to-be-equal/
 
 

Join us as we unpack the recent changes in various regional governance policies around the world that's revolutionizing sustainable event planning! 
From the EU’s Green Claims Directive to California’s climate disclosure laws and Singapore’s MICE Sustainability Roadmap, discover how to navigate these regulations and make your events greener. 
Packed with practical tips—like waste audits and digital twins—plus a dash of vegan menu love, this episode is your guide to creating planet-first events that wow attendees.  Grab your reusable mug, hit play, and let’s sip our way to sustainability! 
Share your eco-event tips in the comments, and don’t forget to like, subscribe, and ring the bell for more!
 
RESOURCES
https://youtu.be/hVpOL7Y2wG0
https://youtu.be/FsjNuS1EYPg
https://www.fielddrive.com/blog/how-to-host-sustainable-events-in-2025
https://spotme.com/blog/sustainable-events/
https://eventify.io/blog/guide-to-sustainable-events
https://www.eventbrite.com/blog/plan-a-green-event-ds00/
https://insights.eventscouncil.org/Sustainability/Sustainability-Events-Standards
https://expoplatform.com/blog/sustainability/sustainable-events-2025-guide/
https://www.soapboxengage.com/blog/2559-sustainable-event-planning
https://www.greengage.solutions/understanding-eu-green-claims-directive/#:~:text=The%20Green%20Claims%20Directive%20is,of%20their%20products%20or%20services.
https://trustrace.com/knowledge-hub/eu-green-claims-directive
https://popupcleanup.com/2025-ca-event-regulations/
https://www.persefoni.com/blog/california-sb253-sb261
https://www.mayerbrown.com/en/insights/publications/2025/02/californias-climate-disclosure-laws-navigating-the-latest-updates
https://www.marinabaysands.com/sustainability.html
https://www.gds.earth/blog/top-40/
https://www.visitsingapore.com/mice/en/plan-your-event/sustainability/mice-sustainability-roadmap/
https://expoplatform.com/blog/sustainability/sustainable-events-2025-guide/
https://spalba.com/ 

In this episode, we’re diving deep into the powerful role of multilingualism in event planning and how it can make or break the guest experience—especially in today’s global landscape.What You’ll Learn: ✔ Why language inclusion is non-negotiable for engaging diverse audiences ✔ How building a multicultural team improves communication and reduces cultural missteps ✔ Actionable tips for integrating multilingual strategies into signage, tools, and guest interactions ✔ The critical role of cultural sensitivity—and how it boosts your event’s impact ✔ Scalable tech solutions to streamline multilingual support without burning out your team
Whether you're hosting international conferences, local expos, or hybrid events, this episode will help you elevate your planning game with inclusion, clarity, and global reach in mind.

Welcome to the final installment of our 4-part series on mental health and social sustainability in the event industry.
In this second part of the conversation, Tammy is rejoined by Janice Cardinale, a seasoned professional in the events industry and a leading voice on mental health and psychological safety. 
Together they get even more honest about the systemic challenges impacting mental health in the events world. Janice discusses the cultural shifts we need, how to advocate for wellness when others don’t prioritize it, and what a people-first future could look like in this high-pressure industry.
💬 Whether you're an event professional, mental health advocate, or wellness-minded leader, these episodes will leave you inspired to reframe what sustainability really means — not just for the planet, but for the people behind the scenes.

Welcome to the third installment of our 4-part series on mental health and social sustainability in the event industry.
In this powerful two-episode conversation, host Tammy sits down with the insightful Janice Cardinale, a seasoned professional in the events industry and a leading voice on mental health and psychological safety. Together, they unpack one of the most overlooked elements of sustainable event planning: the human side.
Janice shares her perspective on the evolving mental health landscape in events and offers practical ways planners can prioritize mental well-being without compromising innovation or client expectations.
💬 Whether you're an event professional, sustainability advocate, or wellness-minded leader, these episodes will leave you inspired to reframe what sustainability really means — not just for the planet, but for the people behind the scenes.

Welcome to the second episode of our 4-part series on mental health and social sustainability in the event industry.
Let’s be honest — event planning can be exhilarating, but it can also be exhausting. In this episode of 𝘚𝘪𝘱𝘴 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘊𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘦, we’re getting real about burnout: what causes it, how to spot it early, and what actually works when it comes to protecting your well-being in a high-stress, high-expectation world.
✨ Whether you're a seasoned pro or just getting started, this episode is packed with real talk, pro tips, and tangible strategies to help you set healthy boundaries, build a sustainable workflow, and reconnect with your purpose—without burning out.
💬 Got a “burnout moment” or boundary win? Share it in the comments — we’re here to lift each other up.
📌 Like, subscribe, and hit the bell to catch the full series on making events more people- and planet-conscious.

Welcome to the first episode in our special 4-part series on mental health and social sustainability in event planning.
During this mini-series in Sips for Change, we’re lifting the veil on the emotional toll this industry often hides behind the glam.
We all see the sparkle—but what about the sleepless nights, last-minute chaos, and constant pressure to deliver perfection? In this episode, we get real about the reality behind the glam: what's actually happening behind the scenes for event planners when executing and planning these events.
💡 Whether you're a planner, vendor, or client, let's pause for a moment and lean in to empathize with our partners in this industry.
💬 Drop your burnout story or your favorite boundary-setting tip in the comments — let’s support each other.

Join Tammy as she dives into the awe-inspiring world of Expo 2025 Osaka, where global innovation meets a powerful commitment to sustainability! 
From the dazzling Singapore Pavilion’s recycled Dream Sphere to the immersive Tech World showcasing eco-tech marvels, this episode highlights her exploring the various pavilions and the Expo's dedication to the Sustainable Development Goals.
Hope this journey inspires you to join the fight to save our planet!
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Please note, most of this content was filmed live at the Expo so there are a lot of visuals in this episode. For the best experience, watch the live video at https://youtu.be/NpmhRoD19nI.