|
Seven Steps for More Environmentally
Sustainable Meetings |
| |
by Andrew Cawrse |
|
| |
|
|
|
| |
Step 1: Planning and Logistics
|
|
|
| |
Tips ~
What to Do |
Info
for UI ~ How to do it here |
| |
- Obtain commitment from
the organizers of the conference. In other words make sure that everyone
knows that the conference will be as sustainable as possible. |
|
| |
-
Promote the conference using paperless technology such as a website or
email. |
|
| |
-
For local meetings, put up posters in places that will most likely be
frequented by the target audience. |
ASUI's Club
Planning & Tips Brochure has a list of the "best postering places" |
| |
- Try to find out if the
rooms being used are the most energy-efficient ones available. Scheduling
your event for the daytime, in a place with lots of windows and natural
light, will save energy right away.
|
One source of info:
Richard Nagy,
Manager, Resource Conservation. Department: Facilities. Phone: (208)
885-7350. Email:
richardn@uidaho.edu
future goal: a listing of
UI buildings & rooms from most to least energy efficient!
|
| |
|
|
| |
Step 2: Participation and Information
|
|
|
| |
Tips ~
What to Do |
Info
for UI ~ How to do it here |
| |
- Set goals on how the meeting will be more
environmentally sustainable. |
|
| |
- Tell the individuals that are attending
these goals and how they can help be more sustainable at the event. |
Sample statement:
NIATTs Sept, 2005, Sustainable
Transportation Conference at UI had a statement in the registration
materials explaining why participants should expect no paper handouts and
should bring their own cup for coffee:
http://www.webs1.uidaho.edu/sustainable_transportation/information%20for%20registrants.htm
|
| |
- Celebrate the success of the meeting
publicly. |
|
| |
- Record the success of the event. |
Example of success!
Recording the achievements to build toward the future:
NIATT
Sustainable Transportation
Conference
http://www.webs1.uidaho.edu/sustainable_transportation/conference%20results/conference_results-participant%20commitments.htm
|
| |
|
|
|
| |
Step 3: Transportation
|
|
|
| |
Tips ~
What to Do |
Info
for UI ~ How to do it here |
| |
- Try to make mass transportation a
possibility. If possible, arrange a car-pooling |
Some mass
transportation options include:
Vandal trolley,
www.info.uidaho.edu/parking/
Wheatland Express 509-484-3480 |
| |
- Meet as close to everyone as possible to
allow for bike riding or walking. |
|
| |
- Try to make the meeting area close to
public transportation routes. |
|
| |
|
|
| |
Step 4: Food
|
|
|
| |
Tips ~
What to Do |
Info
for UI ~ How to do it here |
| |
- Use bulk food for the conference (i.e.
salt, sugar, cream, etc.). Cutting back on individual packets will greatly
reduce the amount of waste accumulated. |
Learn all you need to know about the
possibilities of bulk food and reusable items by contacting Sodexho.
Sodexho Campus Dining
Service Catering Campusdining@uidaho.edu 885-6070 |
| |
- Reduce the amount of wasted food by
carefully planning the amounts of food prepared. |
|
| |
- Use vendors that provide reusable plates,
cups, and utensils, as well as washable napkins and table
clothes. |
|
| |
- Make sure to include vegetarian meals. If
possible try to buy local, seasonal produce. |
|
| |
- Find out if the left over food can either
be recycled or donated. |
|
| |
- If possible use food that is organic or
fair trade. |
Check
out local options for these types of food:
Moscow Food Co-op 121 E. 5th St. Moscow, Idaho 83843 (208) 882-8537 Fax: 208
882-8082
Moscow
Farmers Market
Friendship Square 4th & Main Streets
Contact: Deena Heath (208) 883-7036
OPEN-AIR/SEASONAL May-October Saturday, 8:00 a.m.-12:00 noon
|
| |
| |
Step 5: Event Materials
|
|
|
| |
Tips ~
What to Do |
Info
for UI ~ How to do it here |
| |
- Use nametags and signage that can be
reused. At the end of the conference, collect all the nametags for later
use. |
|
| |
- Share with other groups. Try to rent or
borrow instead of buying: no new manufacturing costs, means no disposal
costs. |
|
| |
- Try to give away sustainable prizes, such
as reusable coffee mugs, water bottles, etc. |
The
UI environmental club has designed reusable coffee mugs. These mugs
are a great gift, provide discounts at all campus coffee shops, and promote
environmental awareness. Contact:
Environmental Club
uie_club@yahoo.com
http://stuorgs.uidaho.edu/~envclub/
2005 Co-presidents: Maia Hawkes and Erik Luvaas |
| |
|
|
| |
Step 6: Energy and Water
|
|
|
| |
Tips ~
What to Do |
Info
for UI ~ How to do it here |
| |
- Provide an area for the participants to put
their recyclable paper products, cans, left over food, and any other
recyclable materials. |
Recycling in Moscow can be easily done at:
401 N. Jackson, phone:
208-882-0590
University of Idaho Recycling Center |
| |
- Turn of the lights and the air conditioner
when the room is not in use. |
|
| |
- Have day meetings for natural lighting. |
|
| |
- Use reusable containers of beverages,
instead of individual bottles or cans. |
|
| |
|
|
|
| |
Step 7: Paper Use
|
|
|
| |
Tips ~
What to Do |
Info
for UI ~ How to do it here |
| |
- Try to cut back on unnecessary use of paper |
|
| |
- Use media and electronic sources such as
Power Point and overheads. |
|
| |
- Use paper that is recycled, also
avoid using paper that cant be recycled, such as neon and astrobright
paper. |
|
| |
- Print on both sides of the paper. Make
sure to use vegetable-based inks. |
|
| |
|
|
|
