If the thought of organizing a “green” meeting puts you in an environmentally-correct tailspin, it might help to start with the Convention Industry Council’s definition of one: “A meeting or event that incorporates environmental considerations to minimize its negative impact on the environment.”
Think small, but efficient for the time being.
Ponder this fact from the Green Meeting Industrial Council as quoted in Meeting Strategies Worldwide, 2003: “A typical 5 day conference for 2,500 attendees will use 90,000 cans or bottles, 75,000 cups and 87,500 napkins.”
The BlueGreen Meetings website offers a few tips for meeting planners. Here’s a hint, though. Don’t try to save the world with one meeting. Good conservation habits will be forged with experience.
In the meantime, start at the beginning. Blue Green Meetings suggests you establish an environmental policy or statement for the meeting. Use paperless technology, such as electronic registration and confirmation. Meet close to reduce distances traveled by speakers and delegates. Have all printed materials published on recycled paper.
Finally, BlueGreen Meetings suggests spreading the word!
“BlueGreen efforts are contagious,” they say. “Tell delegates, speakers and the media about your success.”
For further information, visit:
~contributed by Marie Gullard