There’s more to sustainability than just the environmental aspects. Another part of sustainability to consider is the “people” part. In our #MeetGreenChat we discussed just that! The topic was specifically “Let’s Talk About the People Part of Sustainability”. Our discussions led us to all kinds of things to consider when planning a event that focus on people. Take some time to review the questions and some of the answers that were shared.
What does social responsibility mean?
A1: Honoring our responsibility at the corporate level to our communities and citizens..but so much more! : )) #MeetGreenChat
— Eric Wallinger (@EricWallinger) August 5, 2020
A1. It is the price we pay to live in a community either personal or professional. We need to take care of each other and realize we are all in this together. #MeetGreenChat
— Conference Care Packages (@Confcarepackage) August 5, 2020
In a million ways, depending where,what and how. First by making sustainable choices from pre-to post-event, contributing to local causes and supporting the local community by sourcing locally.
— Heidi Legein (@TheMICEguru) August 5, 2020
How can you give back to the host event community? Or at a virtual event?
A2. When we had in-person events, I got my clients to invest in urban agriculture/permaculture in the host city. It is giving back that has returns for decades. #MeetGreenChat
— Conference Care Packages (@Confcarepackage) August 5, 2020
A2: For example, during in-person events @IMEXAmerica has supported organizations like Shade Tree Las Vegas, Clean The World and Spread The World as part of its community impact efforts #MeetGreenChat
— Eric Wallinger (@EricWallinger) August 5, 2020
What kind of donation programs can you include in your event planning?
A3. Again, depending on where you are. For us in Norway for example we would support organisations like Clean Shores, dedicated to cleaning up plastic from the shorelines, an organisation that picks up leftover food and redistributes it to people in need etc.
— Heidi Legein (@TheMICEguru) August 5, 2020
A3: The sky's the limit, and we are constantly seeking to expand this domain…but materials, food, signage and swag are great first places to start : )) #MeetGreenChat
— Eric Wallinger (@EricWallinger) August 5, 2020
A3 There are many bcorps that give back to the community through their products you buy one and they give one. You can have swag that makes a difference. #MeetGreenChat
— Conference Care Packages (@Confcarepackage) August 5, 2020
What are some examples of volunteer projects that your attendees could participate in?
A4. Fjord and beach cleanups, crafting/bulding with materials recycled from your event for example.
— Heidi Legein (@TheMICEguru) August 5, 2020
A4: Onsite they tend to be assembling something…ranging from hygiene kits, to relief packages, to solar chargers. We have seen some volunteerism such as at gardens in event destination communities…but those tend to involve shuttle buses and increased logistics #MeetGreenChat
— Eric Wallinger (@EricWallinger) August 5, 2020
What does fair trade mean? Provide some examples of fair trade products you could include.
A5 Fair Trade means everyone along the supply chain for a product is paid fairly. Coffee and chocolate come to mind as things that can be incpororated into events but increasingly diverse products have Fair Trade certification. #MeetGreenChat
— Della Green (@MeetGreenDella) August 5, 2020
A5. Safe and fair working conditions and focus on sustainability. Event related clothing, ingredients in the food on offer (thinking avocados and peanuts as a fine example given the increase in demand for vegan), coffee, flowers…
— Heidi Legein (@TheMICEguru) August 5, 2020
Sourcing locally is a win-win for the host event community. How have you implemented this strategy in your planning?
A6 Ask the chef to source local produce and seafood. Hire local labor for av #MeetGreenChat
— nancyjzavada (@nancyjzavada) August 5, 2020
A6: We discuss a priority for local/regional with our food & beverage teams during planning and then look to document and build on each cycle. A new 2-3 items per year can really make a different and transform supply chains #MeetGreenChat
— Eric Wallinger (@EricWallinger) August 5, 2020
How can you ensure health and safety at venues & hotels?
A7. Quality checks onsite and of policies and right now with lots of creative meeting design and crowd management, many reminders of regulations and lots of antibac.
— Heidi Legein (@TheMICEguru) August 5, 2020
A7: A big topic! but from my vantage point…looking for those areas where sustainability and safety intersect…we are finding less "things" or materials overall are both the safest and most sustainable at events #MeetGreenChat
— Eric Wallinger (@EricWallinger) August 5, 2020
Do you include verifying accessibility at venues & hotels? What is your process?
A8: I had the opportunity to attend several site visits with an accessibility expert and was extremely educational regarding everything from water fountains, rest rooms, showers and walkways #MeetGreenChat
— Eric Wallinger (@EricWallinger) August 5, 2020
A8. Part of regular general quality checks and assessments
— Heidi Legein (@TheMICEguru) August 5, 2020
Human rights issues are an opportunity for events to improve social responsibility. Please give some examples you have seen or experienced.
A9 We have all seen the pressure it puts on states and cities who enact discriminatory legislation when conferences move elsewhere. There is tremendous buying power in events and we should use that to support communities that align with our values. #MeetGreenChat
— Della Green (@MeetGreenDella) August 5, 2020
A9. Lucky to live in Norway I can say first. Our focus goes to diversity, inclusion, selecting partners, staff… generally keeping an eye on where everything comes from. For example just recently some farms had foreign berry pickers in bad conditions. We eat a lot of berries 🙂
— Heidi Legein (@TheMICEguru) August 5, 2020
Do you have examples of how you can select vendors or suppliers that provide safe work environments, fair wages, or ethical guidelines? What are they?
A10: Vendor and supplier surveys can really help determine or ensure if your event partners are aligned with your mission and CSR goals #MeetGreenChat
— Eric Wallinger (@EricWallinger) August 5, 2020
Any other thoughts or comments?
A11. Keep doing what you do. Education on this subject is absolutely crucial!
— Heidi Legein (@TheMICEguru) August 5, 2020
A11: That virtual and hybrid events can have a really play a big role in modeling your organizations CSR initiatives. They are a perfect platform to communicate your values #MeetGreenChat
— Eric Wallinger (@EricWallinger) August 5, 2020
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