From lists to directories, to informational articles, the following 7 resources will help any planner make their next event more environmentally-friendly:

1. A 10-step checklist to a more environmentally-friendly destination event from Blue Green Meetings.
2. Three reasons why green meetings are a good idea from the Association for Green Meetings and Events. Not only are green meetings good for the environment, but there are also economic and social benefits that come with it.
3. Article: Green Meetings Are Free from Meeting Professionals International. Going green does not have to cost you a lot of money. By reducing and reusing, you can save money that you could invest in other green expenses.
4. Information on environmentally-friendly cuisine from MeetingsNet.com Look for organic, local foods and foods that can be reused if not eaten at that meal.
5. A list of GreenHotel.com members by state, so you can be sure the hotel you are using is truly environmentally-friendly.
6. How to calculate your meeting’s carbon footprint from http://www.greeneventsource.com/. Being aware of your carbon footprint can help you see how much you are affecting the environment, where your problem areas are, and how you could improve.
7. Don’t forget to use eco-friendly name badges, luggage tags, folders and ring bindersthat are reusable and recyclable! All of these eco-friendly products can be created to match and coordinate with each other and with your meeting or event. Then you can just send them back to us to recycle when you are finished.

Bonus Resource: The Meeting Planner Survival Guidefrom MeetingsNet.com

“Green” has been a popular buzzword that continues to become more widely and frequently used. Recently, Sunrise Packaging launched its new green product line and it has inspired us to offer different ways in which our products can be used to make everyday situations more “Green.”

The “Green” meeting is a great example of an event that not only occurs regularly in office settings but also creates a lot of office waste in the form of paper and meeting materials. The following tips are ways in which a typical office meeting can be turned into a green meeting by reducing waste and improving efficiency.

·         Create a “green meeting” policy and make sure that every meeting abides by your environmentally friendly standards.

·         Utilize laptops, PowerPoint presentations and other technology to eliminate the use of excess presentations and notes paper, which are often not recycled and take time and money to create.

·         Provide a way for attendees to recycle any paper that is required during the meeting and print these materials on recycled paper.

·         Use binders, name tags and folders made from biodegradable, recycled or recyclable materials them to cut back on waste and environmental harm once your company disposes of these products. You can print your company logo and meeting theme on the covers using vegetable-based inks or UV ink

·         Reuse any materials that you can to cut back on excess waste and excess cost.

·         If you are meeting with people from several different locations, choose a location that is close to the most attendees so that attendees drive less and waste less gas getting to and from your meeting.

·         If you plan to serve food at your meeting, serve vegetarian meals and use local, seasonal produce. Use bulk dispensers for sugar, salt, pepper and condiments.

·         Talk to people about your green efforts and their success. People will catch on that going green is a good idea and follow your lead.

By utilizing these tips, your company can save time, money and the environment.