| Events offer an opportunity to
make new friends and acquaintances. They also provide an opportunity
to smooth over troubled relations (limar asperezas).
RECOMMENDATIONS
Conferences and trade events can be more eco-
and people-friendly. The following recommendations have been
culled from best practices around the globe:
COMMUNITY RELATIONS
How well locals are included -- from preparation
to post event follow-up -- should be used in evaluating the
success of any 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 we propose in
the Sustainable
Tourism Wish List, interested constituencies without the
money or time to attend the event in person should have the
opportunity to participate.
ACCOMMODATION
When practical, use local B&Bs and small hotels. 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."
QUESTIONS
Should a charter or declaration be made without participation
of all stakeholders?
YOUR TURN
Planeta.com asks readers to evaluate events in which you have
participated or organized. Working notes are compiled on the
Planeta Wiki: How
green is your eco conference
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