CREATING A GREEN EVENT Events build communities and are a major platform to communicate your values, beliefs and goals. Companies who implement green business practices can positively influence the attitudes and perceptions of their stakeholders. A well planned and communicated green policy can help a business build customers and community loyalty which will help convert leads to new business contracts and new business to repeat customers. Green initiatives are no longer expensive luxuries. As more businesses prioritize green practices, new vendors are coming on-line to service these customers. In business, green solutions such as Compact Florescent Lights are directly lowering business costs. For events, eco-friendly printing solutions are available at cost effective prices. Better yet, event managers should try and reduce the amount of materials distributed and ensure all materials are available online. This will save money in material production and shipping costs — plus give your sales representatives an excuse after the event for a follow up conversation. With Attune as your partner, we will help you factor environmental considerations into your marketing, event and design decision making process — balanced along price, quality, function, and style. Below are just a few ideas that can be implemented for any event. BECOME CARBON-NEUTRAL Give attendees and sponsors the opportunity to offset their travel energy expenditures. By estimating the impact an attendee’s travel has on the environment and then seeking attendee and sponsor donations of equivalent carbon offsets (solar energy, wind power, etc.), the event can neutralize its environmental impact. ENHANCED RECYCLING PROGRAM Reduce, reuse, and recycle. Enhance the existing recycling program at the selected venue by adding recycle bins for paper, plastic, aluminum, and glass. CATERING FOOD &BEVERAGE Strive to serve food that does not require packaging. Request to the catering department to purchase local and in season food. Work with the venue to donate un-served food to local food banks and shelters. TRANSPORTATION SERVICES Investigate alternative fuel vehicles for attendee transfers. Encourage the transportation company to neutralize their own energy expenditures by purchasing carbon offsets. MATERIALS PRODUCTION Print all materials double sided and on post consumer recycled paper. Direct customers to get materials online, or have a “print on demand” station at your event. What ever you do, always explore new ways to communicate with your audience that will reduce the amount of material produced. COMMUNICATION Make a point to talk with your audience and the media to let them know how the event has taken measures to use fewer resources and implement “green” initiatives. Provide resources and tips for other groups to produce green events. SIGNAGE If available and cost effective, print signage on recycled materials and with vegetable dies rather than toxic inks. PACKAGING & SHIPPING Ship materials in reusable crates. Pack materials in larger boxes and in bulk shipments. Strive to purchase and print materials in the event location. FLORAL Rather than cut flowers, order potted plants and flowers that are native to the area. ATTENDEE GIFTS Provide gifts to attendees that emphasize your green initiatives. For example, provide seedlings to plant a tree, an instant thermostat that reminds you to adjust the temperature to more efficient settings in the winter and summer, or a pedometer to remind you to walk rather than ride. © Copyright Attune 2008