3. Reduce Use of Virgin Paper and Minimize Waste

Another simple step is to work with conference planners, participants and exhibitors to print all materials on 100 percent post-consumer waste (PCW) recycled paper or to provide program guides and handouts electronically.

To minimize waste, work with the hotel to implement an effective recycling program with well-placed receptacles and effective signage. If possible, have the waste diverted from the landfill weighed so you can track the benefits of your program.

If you really want to go for it, plan a zero waste event. By selecting a venue that provides a complete recycling and composting program, and by communicating with vendors and attendees about what materials to avoid, you can easily create a zero waste event.

Reduce your footprint even more by selecting giveaways that are non-toxic and made of recycled materials or organic cotton (see Nexus Collections Limited and Eco Imprints). Or better yet, don't provide any giveaways, and minimize the environmental impacts associated with materials production and transport.

4. Eat Local and Organic

If your budget allows, another way to minimize your carbon footprint is to ask your caterer to serve organic and local food and to use reusable dishes, glasses and linens. If reusable isn't an option, request compostable items such as utensils made out of corn starch. Avoid boxed lunches whenever possible.

5. Engage the Local Community

Consider setting aside an afternoon or morning for event participants to volunteer for community service or to participate in some activity that gives back to the local community. At the Green Meeting Industry Council meeting in Vancouver earlier this year, participants had the option to volunteer at the local food bank and the event quickly filled up to capacity.

A recent post on the GreenBiz LinkedIn discussion board on green events, a participant commented, “Our biggest learning continues to be proactively engaging local non-profit/community-based organizations in exhibiting and participating in the event. We support local groups through waived/reduced exhibitor fees and, in some cases, modest grants to assist with their expenses in participating.”

Resources for Greening Your Meetings

Green Meeting Industry Council Green Lodging News Green Event Source US Environmental Protection Agency BlueGreen Meetings Simple Steps to Green Meetings and Events Green Seal

6. Go Carbon Neutral

You have done everything you can do minimize your footprint, the next step is to offset your remaining footprint and make your event carbon neutral.

Based on my research, TerraPass, Carbonfund.org, Sustainable Travel International and Native Energy are some of the top organizations that provide event calculators and high-quality offsets. Use one of the calculators to estimate the amount of carbon dioxide created by your event and include the cost to offset the event in the registration fee or budget.

 

Deborah Fleischer is the founder and principal of Green Impact, providing strategic consulting services to organizations facing the challenges of achieving their sustainability goals. She brings expertise in sustainability strategy, program development and written communications.