A typical five day conference with 2,500 attendees uses 62,500 plates, 87,500 napkins, 75,000 cups/glasses and 90,000 cans and bottles. Green meetings are a good way to save money. What makes a meeting Green?

• Incorporating environmental considerations throughout the planning and implementation process to minimize the negative impact on the environment.

Creating a green meeting:

• Provide recycling bins in public areas and private rooms.
• Use cloth napkins and tablecloths.
• Use glass or ceramic coffee mugs instead of Styrofoam or paper.
• Use water coolers instead of bottled water. 
• Donate extra food and refreshments to local shelters or food banks.
• Serve locally grown or organic food if possible. (Locally grown is usually within 100 mile radius.)
• Use online invitations or registration.
• Collect and reuse plastic nametag holders.
• Use reusable or recyclable signage.
• Place exhibitor information on CD or online to cut down on handouts.

Transportation

• Minimize travel requirements.  A shorter distance equals less environmental impact.
• Encourage public transportation when possible, and provide incentives to guests in the form of free passes for buses, light rail, etc.
• Schedule activities within walking distance of each other.

For additional environmentally-friendly tips, please visit Green Tips.