As someone who runs a company specialising in temporary event and media structures, I’ve always been conscious of the waste generated by our industry. It’s a challenge we face regularly, with vast amounts of wood, such as plywood and scaffold boards, used in our structures often discarded after each event. However, I’ve never been one to simply throw things away—there’s always a better way to utilise materials that would otherwise go to waste. This approach isn’t just a business decision, it’s a personal one. I’m a beekeeper too, and through that, I’ve learned the importance of sustainability, interconnectedness, and making the most of what’s available.
Turning Waste into Opportunity
In my work, reducing waste has become a central mission. Over the years, I’ve managed to implement various initiatives to recycle materials—reusing scaffold boards, for example, and investing in machinery to turn wood into kindling. But now, I’m taking things a step further with a new project: transforming non-contaminated wood waste from the event and media sector into wood chipboards for building houses.
The idea is twofold: first, it addresses the considerable amount of wood waste created by the temporary structures we build for events, whether it’s corporate functions or large festivals. Second, it aims to contribute to the housing crisis by turning that waste into valuable, sustainable building materials. This initiative is about creating a circular economy, where materials used for one purpose can be repurposed into something new, and in doing so, create a lasting environmental impact.
The Science of Sustainability
While the idea of transforming waste into something valuable is straightforward, the execution is far more complex. I am currently setting up a plant capable of processing large quantities of non-contaminated wood and converting it into high-quality chipboard panels. These panels will be used in construction, providing an eco-friendly alternative to traditional building materials. The plant will employ advanced technology to break down the wood, ensuring efficiency and minimal waste.
Additionally, I’m exploring the potential of smaller waste, such as sawdust. Sawdust, it turns out, is the perfect substrate for growing oyster mushrooms—a project I’ve already started in our warehouse. It’s a great example of how even what seems like a small and insignificant byproduct can be turned into something valuable.
Tying in My Love for Beekeeping
My passion for sustainability extends beyond the event and media industry. I’m also a beekeeper, and over the years, I’ve learned a lot from the delicate balance of nature and the importance of looking after our environment. Beekeeping has taught me the importance of every small part of an ecosystem, much like the role each piece of wood, scaffold board, or sawdust plays in my sustainability efforts.
Bees are crucial to the planet’s health, much like our need to find sustainable solutions in industries that traditionally generate waste. In the same way that bees work tirelessly to support the broader ecosystem, I believe we should be working towards a future where nothing goes to waste, where every material serves a higher purpose.
I even use the honey produced from my bees to share the message of sustainability, proving that every little action counts and that small changes can lead to big impacts.
A Larger Vision: Changing Industry Norms
While my company has always focused on sustainability, I believe the time has come for the wider event and media industries to adopt these practices as well. By embracing circular economy principles, companies in our sector can collectively reduce waste and minimise the environmental impact of large-scale productions.
I’m already working with local authorities and recycling experts to streamline the logistics of collecting and processing wood waste. As this initiative grows, I hope to create a network of like-minded businesses, working together to make recycling and reuse standard practice in our industry.
A Future Beyond Waste
The event and media industry is often seen as temporary, but I believe that doesn’t have to mean temporary when it comes to sustainability. By embracing eco-friendly practices, we can reshape how we think about materials and waste. It’s not just about avoiding landfill; it’s about creating something useful from what would otherwise be discarded.
Through this work, I hope to ensure that every piece of wood, scaffold board, and sliver of sawdust is given a second life. Just as I care for my bees and the delicate balance of nature, I want to create a future where the materials we use in temporary structures contribute to a circular, sustainable economy.
The transformation of wood waste into building materials is just the beginning. As I continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible, I hope my work will inspire others in the industry to follow suit, proving that sustainability and innovation can coexist, even in an industry known for its temporary nature.
Ultimately, it’s not just about what we build for events or the honey we harvest from our hives; it’s about what we are building for the future—creating a lasting, positive impact on both our industry and the environment.
