What you need for a circular economy evening

Use this shopping list to prepare a practical circular economy evening with talks, workshops and a collection point for reusable items. Plan drinks and hot beverages for the full programme, not just the opening. You will also need reusable tableware, clearly marked waste separation, presentation equipment and enough power access for the projector, laptop and microphones. Check dietary requirements before shopping and chill drinks several hours before guests arrive.

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What to bring

Grouped the way you'd shop for it, with quantities.

Furniture

Tablesqty 10
Chairsqty 60
Buffet tablesqty 3
Stoolsqty 8
Clothes racksqty 2
Waste binsqty 5

Tableware

Reusable platesqty 70
Reusable bowlsqty 60
Reusable glassesqty 80
Reusable coffee cupsqty 60
Reusable cutleryqty 80

Kitchen

Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Thermos flasksqty 4
Serving traysqty 8
Serving spoonsqty 8
Cutting boardsqty 4
Chef's knifeqty 4
Coolersqty 3

Equipment

Projector
Projection screen
Portable speaker
Wireless microphonesqty 2
Laptop
Extension cordsqty 4
Power stripsqty 4
Power banksqty 2

Decorations

Reusable name badgesqty 70
Name card holdersqty 10
Direction signsqty 12
Clipboardsqty 6
Chalkboardsqty 4
Chalk markersqty 8

Workshop materials

Writing suppliesqty 60
Notebooksqty 60
Flip chart sheetsqty 30
Markersqty 24
Scissorsqty 12
Measuring tapeqty 4
Screwdriversqty 8
Pliersqty 8
Sewing kitsqty 6
Glue gunsqty 4
Glue sticksqty 20
Cable tiesqty 100
Repair materialsqty 4

Lighting

LED lampsqty 6
String lightsqty 3

Cleaning

Vacuum cleaner
Mopsqty 2
Bucketsqty 2
Cleaning glovesqty 6

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Decaf coffee - 1 pack
- Black tea - 1 box
- Herbal tea - 1 box
- Oat milk - 6 liters
- Semi-skimmed milk - 4 liter
- Sugar - 1 kilo
- Honey - 1 jar
- Still mineral water - 6 bottles
- Sparkling mineral water - 6 bottles
- Apple juice - 4 liter
- Orange juice - 4 liters
- Cola - 3 bottles
- Cola Zero - 3 bottles
- Lemonade - 3 liters
- Bread - 8 loaves
- Whole wheat wraps - 40 pieces
- Hummus - 2 kilos
- Cream cheese - 1 kilo
- Young cheese - 1,5 kilo
- Vegan cheese - 500 grams
- Peanut butter - 2 jars
- Jam - 2 jars
- Falafel - 3 kilos
- Lentils - 2 kilo
- Chickpeas - 2 kilo
- Quinoa - 2 kilo
- Arugula - 1 kilo
- Cucumbers - 8 pieces
- Tomatoes - 3 kilos
- Bell peppers - 12 pieces
- Red onions - 1 kilo
- Carrots - 2 kilo
- Zucchini - 8 pieces
- Eggplants - 5 pieces
- Apples - 60 pieces
- Bananas - 40 pieces
- Grapes - 3 kilos
- Nut mix - 2 kilo
- Paprika chips - 4 bags
- Plain chips - 4 bags
- Olive oil - 2 liters
- Balsamic vinegar - 1 bottle
- Mayonnaise - 1 jar
- Ketchup - 1 bottle
- Mustard - 1 jar
- Salt - 1 pack
- Black pepper - 1 jar
- Paprika powder - 1 jar
- Cumin - 1 jar
- Garlic - 4 bulbs
- Lemons - 12 pieces
- Ice cubes - 8 kilos
- Trash bags - 3 rolls
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- Dishwasher tablets - 1 box
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Hand soap - 4 bottles
- Hand gel - 4 bottles
- Sponges - 6 pieces
- Tea towels - 12 pieces

Tips

Plan around 2–3 drinks per person for the first hour, then about 1 drink per person for each additional hour. Buy a small reserve rather than relying on a last-minute shop run.
Count reusable plates, bowls, glasses, coffee cups and cutlery against your registration list, then add at least 10% extra. This prevents shortages when items are still being used or returned late.
Prepare coffee and tea for the arrival period and the workshop break. Allow roughly 2 cups per person for a two- to three-hour evening, and keep hot water in thermos flasks so service does not depend on one kettle.
Bring extension cords, power strips and at least one power bank for the presentation area. Test the projector, screen, laptop and microphones before doors open, because replacing an adapter after guests arrive is difficult.
Set aside clear signs for the drop-off point, directions and waste separation. Put the reusable name badges and name card holders together before opening so registration does not become a queue.

Frequently asked questions

What drinks do I need for a circular economy evening?: For the first hour, allow 2–3 drinks per person, followed by about 1 drink per person per hour. Include coffee and tea for roughly 2 cups per person during a two- to three-hour programme, plus water and a small reserve.
How many reusable plates and glasses should I buy?: Start with one plate, bowl, glass and set of cutlery per registered guest, then add at least 10% extra. For 50 guests, that means planning for 55 of each frequently used item.
When should I chill the drinks?: Chill drinks at least 4 hours before the event, or the evening before if your coolers have limited capacity. Keep a separate supply available for speakers and workshop breaks so the main stock is not emptied early.
What AV equipment is needed for the presentations?: Prepare a projector, projection screen, laptop, portable speaker and wireless microphones. Test every presentation and connection at least 60 minutes before opening, with extension cords, power strips and a power bank ready as backup.

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