Green Meeting Guide » Energy Conservation

Ten Tips for Environmentally Friendly Events

admin — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 18:12:42 +0000

Structuring your next meeting or event as an environmentally friendly can benefit you, your company, your client, AND the environment. Here are a few tips from BlueGreen meetings to get you started on a road to a greener business.

Determine the environmental policy you plan to implement then put it into writing. Get funding from the meetings host organization then share the policy with suppliers and speakers who will most likely be eager to help you go green.
Use the media to cut back on paper use. Create a conference website, advertise on the web, and offer electronic registration.
Choose a central location. Find a host city that is close to as many attendees as possible and a venue that is close to where they will be staying.
Make sure the venues you use have recycling policies and facilities available.
Use bulk dispensers for condiments and salt and pepper instead of individually packaged items.
Pick a hotel that offers linen reuse programs and bulk dispensers for shampoos and soaps.
Offer vegetarian meals and serve meals that use local seasonal produce.
Use environmentally friendly products such as recycled paper, cups made from corn, and vegetable based inks.
Be sure lights and air conditioning units are turned off when rooms are not in use.
Calculate the money and energy you save by implementing environmentally friendly policies. Chances are, you’ll never return to your old traditional ways.

“Meetings” Without Meeting

admin — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 18:11:30 +0000

When scheduling a meeting, keep in mind that it doesn’t have to be in-person to be personal. With the advent of today’s communication technology, we can still see the shining faces of distant coworkers and clients crystal clear on our computer screen without actually having converge on a central location. While meetings that don’t actually require people to meet may seem strange at first, the concept actually makes a lot of sense both economically and environmentally. Perhaps the only excuse for resisting such modern day meeting alternatives is a simple nostalgia for a simpler time, but honestly, how much simpler could it get? Instead of going through the hassle of scheduling flights, booking hotel accommodations, reserving conference rooms and allotting yourself the time it takes to get from one location to another, participants can just turn on their computer from their home or office desk, log in to a chat or conference application and instantly exchange a back and forth of ideas and shoptalk with people from all over the country or globe.Telephone, satellite and internet conferencing options have truly made the world we live in smaller and more accessible. It makes reasonable sense to take advantage of the most up-to- date options possible. While the hassle of coordinating and attending meetings and conventions can be inconvenient, the logistics of putting them into action can be costly. Think of all the expenses an internet or telephone conference makes completely unnecessary. Air travel is pricier than ever and your transportation budget does not end there. Cabs and rental cars don’t come cheap, even if only used for short periods of time. While hotel rooms can be reserved in blocks to cut down on total cost, not having to book one at all makes clearly the most fiscal sense. Most importantly, meetings that take advantage of new age concepts and communication options help to preserve out natural resources by limiting the use of energy required to move people from city to city and by cutting down on the trash and waste that’s a byproduct of large gatherings. Such innovation and forward thinking helps to ensure the long term health of planet Earth, while having a positive effect on your bottom line as well.

Have a Green Ole’ Time

admin — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 18:10:41 +0000

We hear all about the latest hybrid automobile technology and how ways you can reduce your energy consumption at home with solar panels and Energy Star products, but what about every day events? Going green involves more than just the big, life-changing events. Your day to day consumer choices have an enormous impact on the environment, and it’s easy and cheap to buy more eco-friendly products. Next time you’re planning a little get together or even a huge bash consider these simple ways to add a splash of green to your event.If you’re going to send invitations to the party, there are hundreds of websites offering free e-cards. Not only will you save paper, you’ll save money too. Socializr, Purpletrail, and Evite all offer a variety of free cards and invitations with sound, pictures and animations. If you’ve got friends or relatives who don’t go online very often, look for cards made from recycled material.Another way to go green is with your plates and utensils. Americans throw away unbelievable amounts of paper and plastic tableware every year. If you’re hosting a small event, try to use washable items that can be used. But, if it’s a big event and you have to go disposable, there are plenty of products made with recycled material. And as always, make sure to recycle everything you can. As simple as it is to throw something away in a different bin, sadly, many people won’t walk ten feet out of their way to dispose of trash in a recycling bin. Make sure to set the bin right beside the trashcan with each one clearly marked so there are no excuses for unnecessary waste.A final way to keep with the green trend is the food and drink you purchase. Buying local, organic products helps local farmers and also reduces the CO2 emissions released in the transportation of goods from far away. Even better, you don’t have to worry about the harmful effects that pesticides might be having on your body.

Get There Greener

admin — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 18:07:12 +0000

It is well documented how traffic and our overuse of automobiles has contributed to the decay of our air quality and the overall health of the environment. However, what many event coordinators and attendees do not consider is the detrimental effects transportation to and from major meetings can produce. A few simple strategies and steps can be taken to reduce the CO2 emissions and other harmful side-effects that may results from heavily attended gatherings. As you might imagine, a lot of the advice here mirrors commonplace practices environmentally conscious commuters put to use on an everyday basis.Don’t forget to carpool, even when you are out of town. If you have to attend a meeting in a far away location, chances are you won’t be the only company representative. If you are renting a vehicle, go in on the same car with a coworker, the more the merrier. Not only does it cut down on air pollutants, it also cuts down on your cost. Do the math, 2 people in 1 car means you only pay half the price. If you decide to take a cab around town instead, make sure you don’t hail one down just for you. Splitting a cab can be a great way to meet new people or get to know office acquaintances, ensuring you won’t be stuck at dinner by yourself.Also, be sure to select a hotel in a location that cuts down on your total commute time. Just like you wouldn’t buy a dirt cheap house that is an inconvenient distance from your job, don’t get stingy on your hotel reservation and book a cheaper room all the way across town. Not only do you run the risk of running late or getting caught in unfamiliar traffic patterns, the extra miles you will be on the road will still hit you in the wallet in the form of cab fares and gas money. Instead, try to stay as close as possible, for your own benefit and the environment’s.