GREENING  YOUR GATHERINGS

As this is the finale in the year-long series of Eventful Ideas, it is fitting that this topic is the one that is most near and dear to my heart.
It's clear in the world of event management that the greening of conventions, trade shows, meetings and other events is more than just a good idea – it's smart business, it's revolutionizing the nature of event planning, and it’s about time!
Here is a partial checklist of things to consider when Greening your next event: 

A. Organization and Planning
___ Participants and presenters are advised in advance that the meeting will be green and educated about what this means. 
___ Electronic versions of registration materials are favoured, with paper copies kept to a minimum (and printed on recycled paper).
___ For all goods procured for the meeting, preference is given to the most environmentally appropriate alternatives that are available at      a reasonable price and are locally produced.
___ Steps are taken to minimize environmental impact of transportation to the conference and during it. This could include choosing a conference site where walking is feasible, arranging for or providing information on public transit, etc.
___ Sponsors and donors are actively sought who reflect positive environmental values and practices.

B. Registration
___ Measures are taken to reduce paper waste at check-in (ex. computerized systems).
___ The registration package is provided in a reusable or reused holder.
___ Reusable name tags are used.
___ Placards and banners are reusable or made from recycled materials.

C. Program
___ Educational efforts are undertaken as part of the program to make participants aware of their environmental impacts during the  conference and by the conference. This might include education about the local ecology and environmental issues as a part of the program.
___ Attendees are reminded of waste reduction and other environmental opportunities during the conference. For example, presenters are asked to turn off overhead and slide projectors when not in use.

D. Site Systems
___ Recycling and composting systems are in place with convenient and well-marked receptacles.
___ Distribution of brochures, handouts and session notes is limited to those with a genuine need or interest, with event preceedings and other information being made available electronically instead.
___ Lights and equipment are turned off when not in use.

E. Food Systems
___ Explicit effort is made to utilize food that is locally grown, organic, low in processing, and purchased in bulk.
___ Food is used as a teaching moment with appropriate labeling.
___ Food provides meal choices for vegetarian and vegan participants.
___ Leftovers are used and or given away.
___ No single portion package items (ketchup, coffee, cream, sugar etc.) and no single-serve containers are used. No Styrofoam or throw away plates, utensils, etc.
___ Disposable dishes, cutlery, straws, stir-sticks, napkins, etc. are not used for coffee breaks or meals. Durable coffee mugs are used. Coffee filters are reusable cloth or steel, or unbleached recycled paper.

F. Office Systems
___ During the planning stages of the event, paper use is minimized through the use of e-mail and voice mail instead of paper correspondence.
___ Paper documents are produced only when necessary, and are as short as possible. Editing is done on-screen, rather than printing unnecessary drafts.
___ All photocopying is double-sided.
___ Paper that has been used on one side only is collected and reused for fax cover sheets and note paper. Draft print-outs and photocopies for internal use are made on the back of used paper.
___ Paper products have certified recycled content, with a high proportion of post-consumer content. Chlorine-bleached paper is avoided.
___ Mailing and circulation lists are regularly checked and updated to avoid unnecessary mailings.

For more information on how you can implement Green ideas in your life and work every day, check out a couple of my favourite websites:
http://www.goingorganic.ca/
http://www.greenlivingonline.com/
http://www.ecoholic.ca/

Article provided by:  Shirley Damberger
MIH Consulting Inc.
http://www.mihevents.com/