Question:
How do you get the diversion/recycling rates for the meeting venues and hotels?
Answer:
The waste haulers for the venues will be able to provide this information on their statements.
Question:
What kind of donation areas should the general service contractor prepare for?
Answer:
Donation areas for groups that have been previously contacted, such as Habitat for Humanity, local schools, homeless shelters, etc.
Question:
Please discuss aspects of food and beverage related to "green," locally purveyed menu items, donation to food banks, etc.
Answer:
This is a big topic to discuss here. As a start, I would suggest reading the column I wrote on food and beverage, titled "Food for Thought," on MeetingsFocus.com.
Question:
I've been trying to go paperless for years and put the speaker handouts in several places—on our website pre- and post-conference, on a CD-ROM and on a computer for downloading on-site. Attendees still want paper! How do I save trees and keep everyone happy?
Answer:
What we have started doing is charging attendees who want information on paper. It is amazing how quickly they change their tune!
Question:
We found a company that provides biodegradable badges, lanyards, etc. However, they have to go to a landfill that can recycle them. We don't have a landfill anywhere close, so why would we do this?
Answer:
Start by checking with your hauler to see what resources are available. If they are not helpful, I usually move on to the city's sustainability department, which can usually point me in the right direction.
Question:
If we provide a Web link for attendees to download speaker handouts, is that considered going green, since attendees may want to print out the handouts anyway?
Answer:
Absolutely, only those who really want them will print out the handouts. This saves reams of paper on those who really are not interested.
Question:
When it comes to materials, I heard about vegetable-based ink? Have you used this?
Answer:
Sure, many printing companies can use vegetable-based ink now. It is much gentler on the Earth.
Question:
Do you have any recommendations for green alternatives to name badges?
Answer:
Tattoos? No, just kidding. I have seen groups use a heavy recycled paper instead of a badge holder and then give a pin with the conference logo to affix it to your jacket. After the conference, you have a beautiful pin and can recycle your name badge easily.
Question:
Are most hotels/convention centers as much into green initiatives as the planners who are putting it in contracts?
Answer:
There are many convention centers that are doing incredible green practices. Do they want to put it into the contract? Not usually without discussion, but they do.
Question:
Are there any third-parties that certify meetings as "green?"
Answer:
Our company, Meeting Strategies Worldwide (www.meetingstrategiesworldwide.com), certifies meetings as green. I haven't heard of any others yet, but I am sure there will be.
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