Hosting Sustainable Events at CSULB
There are over 5,000 events that take place at CSU Long Beach every year, and each event generates waste and consumes resources, leading to negative environmental impacts. To help address this, the Office of Sustainability created the Green Events Program, a campus-wide initiative designed to reduce the environmental impact of events while promoting inclusivity and sustainability, while also integrated accessibility and equity into the event planning process. This ensures that events are not only mindful of the environment but that they can also be enjoyed by everyone and are representative of the students that the university serves.
Since its creation, the Green Events Program has trained 40 Green Event Hosts who are committed to integrating sustainable practices into their events. We spoke with hosts from two campus departments who shared their experience and motivation for becoming certified Green Event Hosts.
Celebrating Employees, the Sustainable Way
Shonnick Anderson, the Special Events Liaison in the Division of Administration and Finance (DAF), utilized the Equity & Sustainability Event Checklist when planning the DAF Spring Pop Up. These pop-up events happen throughout the year, providing an opportunity to share appreciation for all the employees in the division.
Shonnick decided to become a certified host because she wanted to contribute to creating a sustainable campus and encouraged others to do the same. “I wasn’t sure how we could be sustainable in event planning but once I understood the number of ways, I started with being sustainable in the planning stages and not just during the event,” Shonnick said. This included ensuring that the proper waste bins were available at events, purchasing items that can be composted, and investing in decorations that can be cleaned, stored, and ready for future use.
Shonnick encourages others to take the time to become Green Events Hosts, stating that “being green becomes second nature when planning!”
Integrating Sustainability into Graduation Events
Being responsible for over 65 events annually, the Commencement team recognized the great potential they had to make a positive difference and have enthusiastically embraced the Green Events training to learn new strategies to reduce their environmental impact.
Events like Senior Send-Off and Commencement 2025 integrated sustainable practices like digital-only communications, compost and recycling stations, reusable signage, and sustainable giveaway items. Collaborations with vendors helped the team source eco-friendly materials, such as compostable cups, instead of single-use plastic cups, for the ten graduation ceremonies held at Angel Stadium.
To promote an inclusive and equitable event experience, partnerships with the Bob Murphy Access Center (BMAC) were developed to ensure that all students requesting accommodations would receive them.
Camela Arstill and Melissa DeGravelles, two of the Commencement team members who led the way in these efforts recommend that folks “start small, focus on what you can control, and take the Green Events training for guidance and support.”
As they look ahead, they plan to apply these practices to all future events, aligning with CSULB’s Climate Action and Adaptation Plan and setting a strong example for a sustainable campus culture.
To learn more, check out the Green Events Program.
Join the Office of Sustainability on August 7, 2025 to learn how you can become a certified host.
