| Events offer opportunities to make
new friends and acquaintances, tackle serious topics and walk
the talk. Here are our guidelines in creating effective, green
events. The following recommendations have been collected from
best practices around the globe:
COMMUNITY RELATIONS
How well locals are included -- from preparation
to post event continuity
-- should be used in evaluating the success of the event. When
locals are treated with respect, everyone wins.
PARALLEL CONFERENCING
Please, no more closed door meetings that do not include an
opportunity for a virtual dialogue among interested parties
before, during and after the event. As proposed in the
Wish List for Responsible, Sustainable Ecotourism, interested constituencies without the
money or time to attend in person should have the opportunity
to participate.
ACCOMMODATION
When practical, use small hotels and local B&Bs. If the facility
has environmental conservation programs, point out the details
to guests.
REGISTRATION
Use less paper and offer online registration.
ENERGY
Lighting and energy efficient measures should be incorporated
wherever feasible. Conference centers that maximize energy efficiency
should communicate the details to their guests.
CULTURE
Feature local culture and entertainment.
FOOD
Serve locally grown products and organic food when possible.
Point out such items on a menu. Food can be served in a buffet
style in which participants can choose what they do and do not
wish to eat. Additionally, many conference centers and restaurants
support community food drives. Eco kitchens also find ways to
compost.
PAPER
Far too much paper is wasted at events. The good news -- more
conferences are going paperless!
RECYCLING
Recycle and explain the process to conference participants.
INFORMATION
Like food, information is best served self-service. Otherwise,
brochures end up in the garbage. If you are distributing a conference
program or background reading, distribute two-sided copies.
TOURS
Schedule a heritage walk. Local tours promote where the conference
takes place and gives visitors a feeling for the neighborhood
and a locals a chance to interact with conference participants.
INTERNATIONAL TRANSPORTATION
For those concerned about the environmental impact of international
transportation, review the pros and cons of Carbon
Emission Offsetting.
LOCAL TRANSPORTATION
Use shuttle services to and from the conference.
WATER
Serve water from pitchers. If using plastic bottles, make sure
there is a receptacle for recycling
and a means to refill the bottles.
RED FLAGS
What are the red flags of an eco- or people-unfriendly
event?
Water is served in individual plastic bottles.
Recycling is not evident.
Locals are treated poorly or even excluded from the meetings.
The event is announced online, but no follow-up or summaries
are posted.
Name badge holders are not reused.
Meals are served via paper or plastic disposable containers.
Sadly, such events are common. An academic ecotourism conference
in California housed speakers at a chain hotel and served meals
in cardboard boxes. A friend complains that an organic trade
expo in Chiapas created mountains of trash.
WISH LIST
We would like to see events that weave the stories of the
participants. An interactive event is more engaging than a series
of monologues or speakers reading at their audience. One solution
would be the unconference approach. Evolving from Open
Space Technology, events could abandon the traditional agenda
and ask participants to self-organize a schedule, goals, and
work. Participating in events where opinions matter matters
more than ever.
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