The call of the local peeper population and the push of daffodils, crocuses, and hyacinths through the thawing earth have officially marked the start of spring on Martha’s Vineyard. The thermometers have risen above 50° more than once, and we New Englanders welcomed that tropical paradise with open arms. The allure of the clear blue shoreline has even tempted me to dip a toe in during a beach walk; but that quickly brought me (and my body temperature) back down to reality. We have almost made it to the season that makes the rest worth it here, and now is the time to plan ahead. However, April isn’t just about preparation, it’s also Earth Month, and a time to consider how we protect the very place we’re preparing to celebrate.

Living and working on Martha’s Vineyard means existing in a constant relationship with the environment. The ocean shapes our economy, our climate, and our culture. Our beaches, farms, and forests aren’t just scenic, they are foundational. But with that beauty comes vulnerability. Island ecosystems are delicate. Waste doesn’t just “go somewhere else.” Resources are finite. Transportation of goods comes at a higher environmental cost than on the mainland. Every decision we make here carries a little more weight. And that is especially true in the hospitality and event industries.

Events are, by nature, resource-heavy. They involve travel, disposables, food production, energy usage, and often, a lot of waste. A single wedding or large gathering can generate hundreds of pounds of trash in just one day. And yet, events are also one of the most powerful opportunities we have to model something better. Because when people gather, they notice the details, and the values behind them.

While sustainability and land stewardship have long been part of life on the Island, a deeper awareness of an event’s environmental footprint is something the industry is continuing to embrace and evolve. Today’s hosts are thinking beyond aesthetics and considering impact in a more meaningful way. And importantly, this shift doesn’t require sacrificing beauty or experience — if anything, it enhances both. Sustainable choices tend to bring events closer to what makes the Vineyard so special in the first place: authenticity, locality, and a true sense of place. As both a local and an event coordinator, there is nothing I appreciate more than a celebration that is as thoughtful as it is beautiful. With that in mind, here is a guide to hosting events — both large and small — while minimizing impact:

Start with local first

One of the most impactful choices you can make is to source locally.

  • Work with Island caterers to build menus based on what is in season here
  • Choose local vendors for coordination, rentals, florals, music, etc
  • Incorporate Vineyard-made products (things like wampum jewelry, local honey, and M.V. sea salt)

This reduces transportation emissions and supports the local economy.

Rethink single-use everything

Single-use items are one of the biggest sources of event waste.

  • Opt for real glassware, flatware, and plates
  • Use cloth napkins instead of paper
  • Skip plastic favors or packaging

If disposables are necessary, look for compostable alternatives — but be mindful that they still require proper disposal to truly be effective.

Design with reuse in mind

Decor doesn’t need to be wasteful to be beautiful.

  • Rent candle holders, vases, and linens, instead of buying
  • Use potted plants to supplement cut flowers
  • Repurpose ceremony decor for the reception
  • Donate flowers after the event (Second Bloom MV is an incredible resource for this service!)

A thoughtful design plan can drastically reduce what ends up in the trash.

Be intentional about food

Food is often the most overlooked source of waste.

  • Work with your coordinator and caterer on accurate guest counts and portions
  • Favor seasonal, locally, and ethically sourced menus
  • Plan ahead for leftovers (many local farms accept post-event food scraps)

On Martha’s Vineyard, where food transport can be resource-intensive, this step is especially important.

Cut down on bottled water

This one change alone can make a huge difference. Instead of bottled water:

  • Set up water stations with dispensers
  • Offer reusable or compostable cups
  • Encourage guests to bring reusable bottles for more casual events

Island Source offers water dispenser rentals, delivery, and pickups for a seamless step away from single-use plastics. 

Go digital where you can

Paper adds up quickly in invitations, programs, menus, and signage.

Consider:

  • Digital invitations or RSVPs
  • Minimal or reusable signage
  • Consolidated printed materials

For those who love paper goods (and I get it, they’re beautiful), choosing recycled materials is a great middle ground. Sourcing from a local printer also reduces impact, and Tisbury Printer is a wonderful choice. 

Plan for waste before it happens

A sustainable event both reduces waste and plans for what happens to it.

  • Set up clearly labeled recycling and compost stations
  • Work with vendors to create a plan to manage waste responsibly
  • Arrange for leftover food or materials to be donated when possible

A little planning here makes a big difference at the end of the night.

Rethink favors

Many event favors end up left behind or thrown away. Instead:

  • Skip them altogether
  • Choose something consumable or natural (local treats, mini plants, packs of pollinator seeds)
  • Make a donation to a local charity in your guests’ honor

Meaningful always beats excessive.

Remember: Small events matter too

Sustainability isn’t just for large weddings or corporate gatherings. A backyard dinner, birthday party, or casual celebration can follow the same principles:

  • Use what you already have
  • Shop locally
  • Stray from disposables, and compost organic waste

It can be as simple as that. In fact, smaller events often offer even more flexibility to do things thoughtfully. And acting with sustainability in mind often simplifies the details.

As the Island continues to awaken, and we enter the month that honors the Earth, there’s an opportunity to approach the happenings ahead more intentionally. The choices we make now, from the vendors we support to the materials we use, will continue to carry impact. And here on Martha’s Vineyard, where the landscape is so deeply intertwined with our daily lives and celebrations, that awareness is especially important. There’s something incredibly meaningful about a celebration that honors not just the people at the table, but the land beneath it too.

This article is published as a part of The Grapevine–a monthly email newsletter dedicated to our local events and culinary scene. Click here to subscribe to the Grapevine.