To get you started, we're providing some simple ways that your organization can green its events as well as tips for making your personal life a little greener too. Who said it's not easy being green?
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
10 simple ideas for a greener event
1. Apparel. Use eco-friendly apparel including organic cotton, bamboo and recycled polyester.
2. Bottled water. Avoid serving individual bottled water. Encourage participants and spectators to bring their own reusable water bottles (ex: Klean Kanteen, Nalgene) or use biodegradable recyclable plastic water bottles. Also consider providing compostable cups for water service at rest stops or water stations.
3. Styrofoam. Make your event styrofoam-free.
4. Recycle. Provide marked recycling containers throughout the venue. Use recycling bins that are visually different from other waste receptacles. Use clear plastic bags as liners for recycling bins for easy identification and removal of contaminants. Use opaque black bags in garbage bins.
5. Train. Know the local rules of recycling and composting. Train volunteers about procedures and restrictions. Post volunteers near all recycling bins to monitor deposits.
6. Go paperless. Consider whether or not your event materials can be viewed on the event website instead of being printed and mailed.
7. Reuse. When printing is necessary, print materials on recycled paper. Print double-sided when possible. Use soy-based ink.
8. Transportation. Choose sites that are accessible by public transit and are bike friendly. Promote transportation alternatives. Encourage the use of public transportation, ride-sharing, fuel efficient vehicles, cycling and walking.
9. CO2. If car and air travel are necessary to attend your event, encourage participants and spectators to offset their CO2 emissions by purchasing carbon credits.
10. Biodiesel. Look into biodiesel fuel for trucks, busses and diesel generators.
Implement even just one idea and start making a difference at your next event!
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
10 simple tips for a greener home
1. Bulbs. Use LED bulbs for longer life and energy conservation.
2. Refrigerator. If possible, consider upgrading models from 2000 or older to Energy Star models. If purchasing new is not an option, clean the coils of your old refrigerator for improved energy efficiency.
3. Reuse. Purchase reusable shopping bags and use for grocery shopping. There are even reusable bags made from recycled plastics! Reuse paper shopping bags. Recycle plastic shopping bags.
4. Walk/Ride Challenge. Try walking or riding your bike to run errands one day a week.
5. Unplug. When you are not using your appliances, unplug them! Get in the habit of unplugging your TV, cell phone chargers, computers, printers, etc. to save energy.
6. Timer. Put a timer in your bathroom and limit your showers to five (5) minutes.
7. Clean. Use green, natural household cleaners like dish soap, laundry detergent, all purpose cleaners and glass cleaners.
8. Grey water. Check local ordinances to find out if using grey water is an option for watering your garden and lawn.
9. Clothes line. Harness the natural drying power of the sun to dry your laundry instead of using your dryer.
10. Lights out. Turn out all unused and unnecessary lights.