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This list of waste reduction ideas is intended to help you think of new ways to prevent
waste and save money. Brainstorming with others is bound to result in more ideas. Let us
know if you have other ideas!
Do it right from the start
- Plan for a low-waste event; include waste reduction strategies in all parts and phases
of the event.
- Select a location which practices waste reduction, e.g., waste prevention, recycling,
buying recycled or one which will work with you in achieving a "green meeting."
- Make displays and decorations from used items and design them so they can be reused.
Exchange decorations with other groups so they are "new."
- Remind attendees to bring their own totes and have a few on hand for those who forget.
- Don't release balloons into the environment as these create litter and harm wildlife.
Transportation
- Inform participants about public transportation alternatives for getting to the
conference and around town once they arrive.
- Select hotels along public transportation routes.
- Arrange for carpools, including to and from airports or train stations.
All that paper...
- Reduce the quantity of written material prepared. Don't prestuff conference packets, let
participants take the handouts they think they will use.
- Plan for what you need and avoid excess copies.
- Print or copy on both sides of pages.
- Use lighter weight paper.
- Remove duplicate names and out-of-date entries from mailing lists.
- Post agendas or program information instead of handling out individual copies.
- Use both sides of paper and poster board before recycling.
- Buy and use paper with at least 25 percent postconsumer recycled content.
- Collect paper used at the conference for recycling (white, mixed, newspaper, and other).
- If name tags are needed, select ones that can be reused. Collect the tags at the end of
the event and use them again.
- Avoid paper contaminants such as: glossy/plastic coatings, metallic inks, plastic
windows, bright colors including goldenrod, adhesives.
Recycle
- Request that the facility set up recycling, or arrange for recycling yourself (contact
local government for assistance).
- Provide clearly labeled recycling bins to collect paper, glass, plastic, aluminum cans,
cardboard, and other locally recyclable materials.
- Place the recycling bins in convenient locations: meeting rooms, trade show floor,
hospitably areas, lobby, corridors, registration area, loading dock and the food service
area.
Publicize your efforts
- Advertise the event as "green" and let people know how they can contribute
(such as by bringing their own mug and tote).
- Include a description of what was done to make the event green in any programs/agendas.
- Provide environmental educational materials.
- Post informational signs near recycling and composting bins to let people know what you
are doing and why.
- Print or type "recycled content" on products with recycled content.
Time to eat
- Select a caterer that practices waste reduction.
- When feasible, select a menu that eliminates the need for serviceware. For example,
serve sandwiches, fruit, cookies and other finger foods. When serviceware is needed, use reusables not disposables.
- Donate unserved food to a local food bank or homeless shelter.
- If possible, arrange to compost food scraps (no meat, grease, or dairy products).
- Use reusable table coverings, plates, cups, and utensils.
- If disposable cups are used, have everyone label their cup for reuse.
Purchase less waste
- Purchase products with no packaging, less packaging, or reusable packaging. Look for
products in concentrate or bulk form.
- Request that deliveries be shipped in returnable containers. Ask vendors to take back
packaging; some may be able to reuse it.
- Prior to recycling or disposing, check to see if anyone can reuse packaging materials.
For example, cardboard and polystyrene may be used for art projects. Also some mail
companies are willing to reuse packaging (e.g., check with Mail Boxes, Etc.)
Exhibits
- Ask exhibitors to reduce paper and packaging.
- Use reusable, recycled and recyclable materials in exhibits.
- Print handouts on recycled and recyclable paper.
- Promote the use of reusable handouts.
- Recommend that participants pick up only what they need from exhibitors.
- Encourage exhibitors to reduce giveaways or only to give away items which are long
lasting, useful, and made with recycled content.
- Provide collection boxes so people can return what they don't want.
Reduce use of toxics
- Use only nontoxic cleaners and washable rags for clean up and request that the facility
and food caterer do the same.
- Print programs and other materials with vegetable-based inks.
For More Help:
Publication #500-94-033
To order this
publication, or for more Business Waste Reduction Assistance, please contact us! If
you have questions, information, ideas, educational materials, etc., please share it with
us so we can share it with others!
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