What to Buy for an Earth Hour Event
An Earth Hour event needs more than candles and a dark room. You will need safe low-energy lighting, serving supplies for hot drinks and water, signs, and basic equipment for talks or activities. This shopping list also covers items that are easy to overlook, such as spare batteries, extension cords, waste bins, and cleaning tools. Check quantities against your guest registrations before you shop, then keep non-perishable supplies together for setup day.
What to bring
Grouped the way you'd shop for it, with quantities.
Furniture
- Tablesqty 6
- Chairsqty 60
- High tablesqty 2
- Waste binsqty 6
- Coat racksqty 2
Tableware
- Reusable cupsqty 80
- Coffee mugsqty 50
- Platesqty 80
- Cutlery setsqty 80
- Serving plattersqty 10
Kitchen
- Water jugsqty 6
- Thermos flasksqty 6
Equipment
- Kettlesqty 3
- Coffee machinesqty 2
- Portable speakersqty 2
- Wireless microphonesqty 2
- Extension cordsqty 6
- Power stripsqty 6
Lighting
- LED lanternsqty 12
- Battery lightsqty 80
- Rechargeable work lightsqty 4
- Headlampsqty 10
- Spare batteriesqty 24
Decorations
- Earth Hour Bannerqty 2
- Information boardsqty 8
- Tablecloth setsqty 6
- Chalkboardsqty 4
- Directional signsqty 10
Cleaning
- Broomsqty 3
- Dustpansqty 3
- Cleaning bucketsqty 3
- Microfiber clothsqty 12
Catering
- Groceries
- Coffee - 3 packs
- Black tea - 4 boxes
- Herbal tea - 2 boxes
- Semi-skimmed milk - 6 liters
- Oat milk - 4 liters
- Sugar - 2 kilos
- Sweetener - 1 box
- Cocoa powder - 1 pack
- Spa Blauw - 8 bottles
- Sparkling mineral water - 6 bottles
- Cola - 4 bottles
- Cola Zero - 4 bottles
- Sinas - 3 bottles
- Apple juice - 4 packs
- Orange juice - 4 cartons
- Lemonade syrup - 3 bottles
- Coffee milk - 2 bottles
- Cookies - 8 packs
- Paprika chips - 5 bags
- Plain chips - 5 bags
- Popcorn - 4 bags
- Unsalted nuts - 2 kilos
- Raisins - 1 kilo
- Apples - 8 kilos
- Bananas - 5 kilo
- Grapes - 4 kilos
- Whole grain bread - 8 loaves
- White bread - 4 loaves
- Margarine - 2 tubs
- Young cheese - 2 kilos
- Hummus - 1 kilo
- Strawberry jam - 2 jars
- Cucumbers - 6 pieces
- Tomatoes - 2 kilos
- Arugula - 6 bags
- Mayonnaise - 1 bottle
- Ketchup - 1 bottle
- Trash bags - 3 rolls
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Disinfectant wipes - 4 packs
- Hand soap - 4 bottles
- Napkins - 8 packs
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Cling film - 2 rolls
Tips
- Plan at least one LED lantern or battery light for each activity or table area, plus spare batteries for every battery-powered light. Do not rely on the venue’s normal lighting once the switch-off starts.
- For hot drinks, provide one reusable cup or coffee mug per guest, then add 10% extra. Two thermos flasks or hot-water containers per 25 guests gives you a practical starting point for refills.
- Count tables, chairs, and serving platters from the registration total rather than the room’s maximum capacity. Keep one table free for drinks and another for information boards, name badges, or route signs.
- Test portable speakers, wireless microphones, kettles, and coffee machines before the event. Bring extension cords and power strips, and keep technical equipment away from dark walkways and drink stations.
- Pack directional signs, the Earth Hour banner, waste bins, brooms, and dustpans before shopping day ends. These are often remembered only during setup, when there is no time left to find replacements.
Frequently asked questions
- What lighting do I need for an Earth Hour event?
- Use LED lanterns, battery lights, rechargeable work lights, or headlamps instead of open flames. Plan one light for each table or activity area, and bring spare batteries plus at least two backup lights for the venue.
- How many cups and mugs do I need for Earth Hour?
- Provide one reusable cup or coffee mug per registered guest, with 10% extra. For 50 guests, that means at least 55 cups or mugs, plus enough plates and cutlery if food is served.
- How much water and hot drink equipment should I buy?
- Allow roughly 0.5 litres of water per person for a short evening event, then add extra for speakers and volunteers. For hot drinks, prepare two thermos flasks or hot-water containers per 25 guests and check whether you also need a kettle or coffee machine.
- When should I buy supplies for an Earth Hour event?
- Finalize the shopping list at least 7 days before the event and buy non-perishable items 3 to 5 days ahead. Check lighting, microphones, extension cords, and rechargeable equipment at least 24 hours before opening the venue.
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