I’m Seeing Green

More and more we are focusing on green practices in society and it clear that it is becoming increasingly important that we act.

Originally these initiatives would cost more with no direct financial benefit however as “green” becomes part of normal day to day business there are savings.

Internally we have developed a green policy some time ago and implemented a number of simple things that have benefits such as:

instead of printing on paper to file documents we use an electronic filing system
our copiers and printers are set to double sided
our light globes are energy efficient and we separate our paper and cardboard into recycling from general rubbish

No matter how small it all helps and reduces the footprint we leave.

This month I look at how we might all be more efficient and “green” at exhibitions.

The most obvious and effective ways are to reduce the amount of material waste generated and to utilise more environmentally friendly materials.

Give it some thought

Plan early so you can receive quotes and incorporate best enviro practice
Look at where you may currently be creating more waste than necessary and how you could reduce it
Develop an environmental plan that states your objectives

The stand

Consider utilising the modular package supplied by the official contractor, because it’s a system that is being re used. It’s transported as part of the total show material therefore less trucks on the road; one set of folk lifts to unload
Refurbish and update existing displays instead of replacing them. A new lick of paint (preferably water based) or updated imagery can make it look like a whole new stand
Encourage the use of plasma/electronic/projection screens to save on signage and printed material. This also offers flexibility as can be readily changed as the show goes on. Other options include a white board or blackboard that allows you to have messages that can be easily changed and are personal
If you are a building custom stand, review and see if you can use green friendly biodegradable or recycled material and other sustainable materials, and fewer petroleum products. There is a wealth of product out there from bamboo signage to heavy duty cardboard material for tables, counters and lecterns which fold down for later use. Design it to last for a minimum of 3 years or more
Reduce and reuse the packaging material such as bubble wrap for the return trip
Ensure the lighting and power can be easily turned off at the end of the day and select energy efficient lighting
When you are retiring a stand ensure its elements are recycled as much as possible

Accommodation and travel

Select airlines that have carbon neutral commitment and fly direct to the exhibition location
Book electronically and only print the specific requirements
Car pool or get colleagues to travel together so that there is one taxi
Select accommodation that is close to the venue so you can walk to the exhibition each day
If you need to get transport, consider public transport show shuttles if they are available
Select hotels that have green policies for services such as laundry, catering and rubbish removal

Freight and transport

Only transport what you need – leave unnecessary items in the office
Reduce weight by packing smart
Utilise freight companies that have carbon offset credits:
consider the official freight company as this consolidates freight to reduce the amount of vehicles on the road
Look at what you can produce at the venue location city to reduce freighting items such as printed material

Catering

Select organic produce
Look at ways to reduce waste rather than using disposable items such as cups for coffee/tea use crockery, cutlery and napkins etc
Minimise food wastage by setting realistic catering targets
Communicate to visitors your initiatives and menu choice

Promotional material

Think about going paperless: brochures and print material is great but can it be given as a reusable USB flash drive which doubles as premium
Invite people electronically, use things like SMS as reminders
Can you collect prospects’ details and email the information. This also opens up communication channels
If you do print, use recycled paper
Utilise electronic communication means on the stand, such as computer monitors but make it interactive to hold interest. And you can make updates on the spot
Use as little packaging as possible and preferable that which has an after use
Limit plastic bags and choose recyclable and reusable options
Premiums should be environmentally friendly and have an after use

Service Forms/Registration

Utilise online systems to complete exhibitor service forms
Encourage visitors to trade events to register online

Waste at the Event

Have a prepared plan for waste and ensure all stand personnel are aware of it
Separate waste into recycling bins
Limit the waste generated
Sort things so you can reuse them next time you exhibit
Utilise online systems to complete exhibitor service forms
If you have excess giveaways that have an after-use, donate to a charity rather than transport back