By Claudia Cabrera 

As a hotelier, I learned throughout my 10 years in the hospitality industry that you never stop learning about meeting trends and the “it” practices that meeting planners are doing when organizing their next big event.

Have you ever wondered what planning a “green” meeting really means, or what are the benefits of a green meeting?

According to the Events Industry Council (EIC), a green meeting or event incorporates environmental considerations to minimize its negative impact on the environment. Green or environmental considerations are one aspect of sustainability. Sustainablity takes a “triple bottom line” approach that seeks to balance the social, environmental, and economic concerns against business needs.

What are the Benefits of Green Meetings & Events?

  • The Economic Bottom Line: Planning and executing environmentally sustainable events isn’t just about being environmentally responsible, they can have economic benefits for the event organizer. In fact, many environmental activities can actually save money.

    Example: Collecting name badge holders for reuse at an event of 1,300 attendees can save approximately $975 for the event organizer.*

  • The Environmental Bottom Line: Using recycled materials, recycling materials used, reusing items and reducing materials used can significantly lessen the environmental impact an event has.

    Example: If a five-day event serves 2,200 people breaks, breakfasts, lunches and receptions using china instead of plastic disposables, it prevents 1,890 pounds of plastic from going into a landfill.*

    Example: Not pre-filling water glasses at banquet tables during three days of served lunches for 2,200 attendees will conserve 520 gallons of water.*

Here are some simple green practices that are easy to incorporate into your events:

  • Badge holders and lanyards made of recycled materials; ask attendees to return them when done
  • Items in bulk rather than single serve, especially for condiments, sugar, creamer and beverages
  • China, glassware and flatware instead of disposable
  • Local food vendors rather than having food shipped; this also helps you support the local economy
  • Locations and venues that are centrally located and within walking distance to hotels, restaurants and attractions
  • Registration information available digitally, rather than mailed
  • Limit exhibitor and speaker handout materials to only what is needed for attendees
  • Eliminating plastic water bottles (provide a refillable water bottle)
  • Do not set pre-filled water glasses at meals

This concept is the same anywhere in the world. And as meetings professionals, it’s important to think about how we can plan our events differently to reduce the negative impact our events have on the environment.

*Data provided by MeetGreen.