Comparing CDC Guidelines to Event Sustainability Practices
Can you plan a sustainable & safe event? The answer is yes! The MeetGreen sustainability experts compared event sustainability guidelines against projected or potential COVID-19 impacts as we know them to date from the CDC. Fourteen out of the sixteen guidelines are “all clear” to include in your planning. While the other two guidelines can be included, we do recommend you “proceed with caution”. The sixteen areas of planning sustainable & safe events we looked at include:
Recycling
Ask for Recycling at the Venue
Recycling bins reduce the amount of secondary separation in municipal systems and stock supply chains.
No Bottled Water
Request no individual bottled water be served
Bottles are only as safe as the last time it was touched or surface disinfected.
Towels
Ask for towel reuse program
Reusing your towel and linens limits potential points of transmission by reducing outside contact and saves water.
Condiments
Ask for all condiments in bulk
The CDC recommends limiting shared surfaces touched. It is possible a condiment dispenser could carry more risk than disposable packets.
Leftover Food
Request leftover food be donated
Presently there is no evidence that COVID-19 is transmitted by food. Event food donation is critical for supplying local food banks.
Water Glass
Request water glass not be pre-filled
What better way to decrease water waste and improve attendee safety than filling your own glass of water as needed?
Service Ware
Request reusable service ware
washed plates would be equal to or safer than most disposal scenarios, as each would be handled at a minimum prior to use.
Digital Signage
Ask for electronic signage
Using electronic signage not only reduces material waste, it is one less physical point of contact for shipping, installation, and disposal.
Local Food
Ask about sustainable local food
Sourcing food locally is a best practice with numerous social and environmental benefits under almost all circumstances.
Signage
Reuse signage
Signage would be handled under either scenario: whether single-use or when saved for reuse. Storage does not pose an increased health risk.
Printed Material
Reduce printed material & use recycled content
Reducing the use of materials on the front-end results in reduced risk and opportunity for possible contamination.
Conference Swag
Reduce conference swag
Source reduction continues to be the most effective for limiting exposure and transmission of COVID-19 and it can save carbon too.
Packaging
Minimize packaging
Minimizing packaging reduces the downstream effects of high volumes of both wrapping and packaging waste handled by venues, haulers, and recycling facilities.
Leftover Materials
Find a donation stream for leftover materials
While CDC guidance suggests that risk is minimal for transmission via surfaces, enhanced measures like wiping down donations, may further mitigate risks.
Back of House
Attend back-of-house tour
Conducting a back of house tour will help you observe and verify that safety and sustainability measures have been implemented to the highest degree.
Communications
Sustainability Communications
The majority of MeetGreen’s sustainability practices are not impacted by COVID-19. Continue your sustainability efforts and communicate both safety & sustainability.
A Quick Reference for Sustainable & Safe Events
The MeetGreen sustainability experts compared event sustainability guidelines against projected or potential COVID-19 impacts as we know them to date. Download our infographic to see how you can plan your next in-person or hybrid event safely and sustainably.