Top Ten Tips to Make your Meeting "Green"
How do we start making our meetings green? Here are a few tips.
Food - Plan sustainable meals at your event, aligning food and beverage offerings to what’s locally available. If local law allows, donate leftovers. - Invest in signs that can be recycled.
- If biodegradable badge holders aren't used, collect plastic badge holders at the meeting's conclusion and use them again. Collect paper name tags, as well, and recycle the paper.
- Request recycling bins for paper, plastic and cans from your hotel/convention center.
- Limit off-site events. If off-site events occur provide transportation that is eco-friendly (e.g., hybrid or bio diesel).
- Collateral Materials - Transmit electronic versions of program handouts, rather than compiling and distributing them in a book. If materials are printed, use a printer that is FSC certified.
- Select a location that requires short-distance travel for the most members.
- Provide attendees with reusable water bottles instead of bottled water at breaks.
- Coordinate with events taking place directly before or after yours to minimize needs for carpet, signage, food and beverage, etc.
- Book your event at a property that is LEED-certified or has extensive sustainable practices.
