Large or small, meetings bring people together to share information, generate ideas, and make business connections. When you think of being green or sustainable, managing waste is usually the first thing that comes to mind. A sustainable meeting or event goes beyond recycling or zero waste events.
Myth: Only “environmental types” are making efforts to go green. Fact: Several Fortune 500 hotel chains participating in an environmental benchmark program through The Prince of Wales International Business Leaders Forum.
If you’re a busy professional charged with planning a conference, you are probably wondering how best to produce a successful event while managing costs and using your time most efficiently. Most people assume that doing everything themselves is the easiest and cheapest way to go.
As individuals, we make choices every day: Paper or plastic? Window or aisle? Debit or credit? As conference organizers, we make choices too: Beef or chicken? China or disposable? Local or organic? Plated or buffet?
Does the location of the meeting really make a difference? Absolutely! Choosing a destination that is conducive to the event’s purpose and takes into account the location of attendees is a first step in producing a successful event. It is also a first step in producing an earth-friendly meeting.
One area that can have the greatest impact on an event is the exhibitions. Think of the waste that is generated at an average event – all of the cardboard, packing materials, brochures, pallets, carpet, etc. How can you make sure it doesn’t end up in the local landfill?
You have the power to make a difference. Start by adopting a few common sense policies that will not compromise the attendee experience. Attendees can feel good about participating and knowing what is being done on their behalf to promote healthier events.
What is a carbon offset? The “official” definition of a carbon offset (from Climate Trust) is, “carbon offsets are the process of reducing a ton of carbon dioxide emissions in another location for the emissions you cause in either your home, office, commute, travel or other activities that use energy and cause emissions.
At MeetGreen, we have been working diligently to find name badges that don’t require a plastic (vinyl) holder. As part of the “skip single-use plastic” movement, we are “over the holder.”
Virtual meetings connect participants and provide educational opportunities for participants without travel. It has never been a better time to re-examine your events to explore a shift in live-streaming an event.