Photo by Steve Snodgrass
As you think about the future and what you leave behind the phrases “going green” and “reducing your carbon footprint” may come to mind. You might have made changes in your personal life to become more environmentally friendly but how often do you think about being green while planning your meetings and events? It might not cross your mind regularly but with the tips below found on BizBash you can make some small changes to help your parties and events go green:
Materials
• Create name badges out of biodegradable materials.
• Retain lanyards for future events.
• Use a mobile app instead of a printed program, and encourage exhibitors to eliminate or reduce their use of printed materials.
• After the event, donate usable supplies such as conference bags and office supplies. Ask the local convention bureau or D.M.C. for recommendations on organizations that will accept these donations.
Food
• Cut down on food waste by looking at consumption data from past events.
• Add a “compost” receptacle next to the traditional trash and recycling cans.
• Offer tumblers and hydration stations instead of single-use bottled waters.
Fuel
• Provide information about public transportation, car-sharing, and ride-sharing in registration information. Create incentives such as small prizes for people to share rides.
• Book hotels that are within walking distance to the venue and make attendees aware of walking routes.
• Minimize the amount of fuel your event uses by printing materials locally instead of shipping them, using local entertainment and shuttle services, and asking food vendors to use local suppliers.
Communication
• Share your sustainability strategy with attendees.
• Recognize hotels that have embraced green practices.
• Create a system to track the sustainability initiatives and results so you can measure progress in coming years.
photo credit: Steve Snodgrass via photopin cc
