How to Reduce Your Event’s Environmental Impact at our Garden Venue in New Orleans

Did you know that Americans generate over 290 million tons of waste each year? As time goes on the effects of global warming are slowly becoming harder and harder to ignore. While we can't undo the damage already done to our planet, we can all take small steps to help slow the impact and protect the environment for future generations. One effective way to reduce your personal carbon footprint is by embracing sustainability, especially when planning events. At Paradigm, we believe that every little effort, no matter how small, counts in making a positive difference for our planet. As a garden venue in New Orleans, we are committed to doing our part to reduce waste and promote eco-friendly practices. In this article, we’ll share the steps we take to ensure that our space is as sustainable as possible, so you can host your next event with peace of mind knowing it aligns with your eco-conscious values.

When it Comes to a Garden Venue, the Landscape is the Decor

Americans spend over $2 billion every year on single-use decorations, most of which end up in landfills after a single event. This contributes to waste and leaves a lasting impact on our environment. At Paradigm, we aim to change the narrative by designing our space with sustainability at its core. Instead of relying on single-use decorations, we’ve intentionally crafted our garden venue in New Orleans to be the perfect backdrop for any event—naturally beautiful and eco-friendly.

Every corner of our garden offers its own unique touch of charm. Our wood-fired oven, made from reclaimed bricks, serves not only as a main focal point, but a functional feature for incredible food. The pond, a meaningful creation of our Montessori program during COVID, adds a peaceful, reflective atmosphere to the space, including the soothing sound of flowing water. The green roof over our credenza offers a unique and inviting decor element, with lively pops of color. These features not only enhance the natural beauty of the garden but also minimize the need for artificial decorations, which is good for our planet and your wallet!

To further highlight the garden's natural beauty, we use strategic lighting to provide a soft and soothing ambiance. Floral arrangements made from flowers harvested directly from our garden are another sustainable touch, offering guests a connection to the space itself. We believe in supporting local whenever possible, so all throughout the inside and outside of the garden you will find murals painted by talented New Orleans artists.

By using the landscape itself as the decor, we not only reduce waste but also create an atmosphere that feels authentic, personal, and deeply connected to nature. Hosting your event at Paradigm Gardens means embracing sustainability without compromising on beauty or style.

Seasonal & Sustainable Catering

There is no such thing as a successful event without great food! At Paradigm, we believe that fantastic food is key to creating memorable experiences. That’s why our garden venue in New Orleans exclusively partners with Karibou Kitchen, a local catering company known for its creative dishes and unique twists on classic favorites. Karibou Kitchen takes pride in sourcing fresh, seasonal ingredients from local farmers and butchers whenever possible (including ingredients harvested from the very event space you’ll be enjoying!). This commitment to using locally grown produce not only supports the New Orleans community but also ensures every dish is as fresh and flavorful as can be.

Their menu is a reflection of the vibrant flavors of New Orleans cuisine and seasonal crops, offering a mix of dishes that are innovative while still offering the comfort of a classic, well-prepared dish. Whether you’re hosting an intimate gathering or a larger celebration, Karibou Kitchen’s seasonal offerings can be tailored to your event’s unique needs and interests, all while staying in tune with the natural rhythms of the season. By partnering with Karibou Kitchen, we ensure that your event not only celebrates local flavors and local vendors but also aligns with sustainable practices. The combination of our garden setting and their commitment to sustainability allows you to host an event that is both delicious and eco-friendly, creating a lasting impact on your guests and the planet.

Quality Over Quantity

While single-use plastic items seem convenient, they come at a cost to both our health and to the environment. At Paradigm, we’re committed to reducing waste and protecting our planet, which is why we avoid single-use items like paper napkins, plastic straws, and disposable cutlery. Instead, we opt for more sustainable alternatives that not only help reduce our carbon footprint but also elevate the guest experience.

We use high-quality silverware, glass dishes and cloth napkins to ensure that your event has an elegant feel while remaining friendly to our Earth. Our signature souvenir glass jars have become a fan favorite—guests love taking home a practical memento from their time at our garden venue in New Orleans. These jars can be reused in countless ways, our personal favorites are a flower vase or iced coffee jar, making it a sustainable favor to be enjoyed time and time again.

At Paradigm, we believe small changes can lead to big differences, and we’re proud to provide a venue that aligns with your eco-conscious values, creating positive and long-lasting impacts on your guests as well as our planet. If you’re interested in hosting an event at our garden venue in New Orleans, reach out to us by filling out the contact form below. We’d love to schedule a visit or answer any questions you may have!

Even if you aren’t planning an event at a private venue, our hope is that this article brings you inspiration to make small changes to your life to help take care of the planet that we all call home. While it may feel like a drop in a bucket, collectively we have the power to work together and make a change.