This year, April 22 marks the 40^th anniversary of Earth Day, a day designed to inspire awareness of the Earth’s environment. It is a day celebrated by over 500 million people worldwide, and one that has a special place in Chicago- a city that boasts over 200 green roof initiatives covering nearly 2.5 million square feet of the city’s skyline. Our offices also share building space with Green Home Chicago, a design center that exclusively offers sustainable materials and design. These design innovations serve as a reminder to be aware of the impact that our events have on the environment, and offer a ton of inspiration.

We’ve been noticing a trend in nature and eco event décor blooming as spring approaches, and so have the editors of Biz Bash Magazine who put together a slide show of some of the most innovative nature décor ideas that have popped up recently.

Mowalla earned our own eco street-cred going au natural back in 2008. Tasked to create an experience that highlighted the rich natural history of Finlandia Vodka, Mowalla envisioned a tasting room celebrating the simple treasures of its homeland- frozen glaciers, fields of six-row barley, and Finland’s ever present midnight sun. These elements came together to transform hotel ballrooms into sensory experiences replete with birch seating, grasses and shrubbery, and hand carved ice sculptures. Beyond sampling, tastemakers experienced the story behind the brand through natural décor and design.

Continuing in this tradition, nature décor was added to The Southern Comfort Music Experience with the addition of the Lime Grove- an interactive seating area on lush grass blankets.  This month, we are finalizing our recycling program for Sleepless San Diego before their big Sleep Out event on April 23.

Hopefully this blog provides some inspiration for making your next event or party eco chic. I know we will be heading to the great outdoors to enjoy the beautiful weather and to pick up a few new ideas this month. We leave you with a final photo of impressive natural mother lovin’ below- enjoy.

-          Mowalla, Chicago