The next sustainability scope beyond standards of green conference practices, such as recycling and paperless, will focus more on circular economy practices, socially conscious suppliers, new technologies, and most importantly, raising tough questions.
Here are 10 next-level sustainability strategies:
1. Problem greening
In terms of sustainability, general claims are not enough. You need proof.
For example, not all “sustainable” seafood is what it says. Check if it is certified by reputable organizations such as the Seafood Watch at Monterey Bay Aquarium, which offers free guides and mobile apps to help identify sustainable seafood options. If your hotel says it is reducing food waste, ask how. The two tools used by hotels are lean paths, which allow them to measure waste and avoid overproduction, as well as power junctions of biodigesters, break down food waste machines.
2. Research B Corps as a partner
Skift has partnered with Intrepid Travel, which received B Corp certification in 2019. Company B is a company that takes care of employees, working towards a more inclusive supply chain and taking corporate social responsibility to the next level.
The company’s commitment to sustainability is at the heart of its culture. Since 2010, it has been not only carbon neutral, but from host families to indigenous experiences, it has been traveling, retaining the economic benefits of community travel. Some, like a cycling trip in Kenya, raise funds for local nonprofits.
3. Introducing the person behind the food
Food = farmers. Don’t just source meat or fruits and vegetables locally, but also growers and farmers. If the dinner is from local origin, why not create a short video before the meal introducing the farmers and their families, the chefs who prepare it, and the staff who serve it?
4. Formal carpooling
Why do few meetings promote carpooling or ride sharing among attendees as an option for those who drive to the meeting or ride to and from the airport? It only requires an email and attendees can connect with each other on their own.
There are also free apps such as Caroster for organizing group carpooling, and customizable white tag sharing app Esferasort. You can even provide incentives to your followers, such as gift cards.
5. Double check CSR
If they do not consider the values of attendees or charity pillars that the company has established, the feedback event will be a missed. The reason for arbitrary selection of optical-based support is meaningless.
Another strategy is to choose nonprofits that everyone can connect with. An example is Clean The World, which works with 8,300 hotel partners to transfer its soap bar and plastic facilities from landfills and recycle collected soap into new bars. They also provide team building experience to assemble hygiene or school supplies, including recycling soap.
6. Donate outdated logo items
Have you ever wondered what happens to outdated logo merchandise when a company rebrands or gets an acquisition? Swagcycle helps companies repurpose and recycle unwanted branded products in a responsible, ethical and affordable way.
7. Know the difference between biodegradable and compostable
You may stick with biodegradable plates, cups, and cutlery, but be sure to check if you can accept biodegradable service software for compost. In some cities, if you want to avoid landfills, you will need to order items that can also be composted.
8. Rent your lanyard
Why buy lanyards? Promotional Products Company Mural Creates a lanyard loan library that can be borrowed. Shipping is not included; they expect to refund at least 85%. Then wash the lanyard and prepare for the next event.
9. Plant your paper
If you are going to continue printing or giving away brand swag, at least make it growable. Printed attendee badges and daily notes are embedded with wildflower seeds that can be grown on handmade paper. Pair it with a sprouted pencil: You want to plant it, it will plant herbs, flowers, vegetables or trees.
10. I’ve heard of edible stolen goods?
Nowadays, many gift providers offer amenities to give back, but will eventually end up in landfill. Not a brand of fruit, it uses production from a farm network and is decorated with graphics (rather than etching) on avocados, mangoes, pineapples, pineapples, persimmons, lemons, limes, beets, potatoes and even eggplant.