• Conference information should be provided electronically.
• All printed materials should be on recycled-content paper that contains at least 30% post consumer material and two-sided.
• Use soy-based inks and energy-efficient equipment when printing.
• All paper products (writing paper, toilet paper and tissues) should be non-bleached and at least 30% post consumer content.
• Provide accurate attendance numbers to service providers to reduce food and other wastes.
• Electronic registration and check-out provided by the hotel saves paper & energy.
• Provide participant information at public transportation; or provide participants with "public transportation tokens" as part of their registration package.
• Incorporate requirement for environmentally preferable products into contracts with suppliers of conference materials.
• "Green" the exhibitors and vendors.  Encourage vendors to stay with the green theme and to minimize wasteful giveaways wherever possible.
• Hotel information can be provided to guests electronically or at least using double-sided copying.
• Green Energy: Consider purchasing "green tags" or "renewable energy credits" to offset the additional costs of using energy from renewable sources to power your conference. For more information, go to www.green-e.org

The Facility

• Optional towel and linen service should be offered by hotel and staff should be properly instructed.
• Bulk dispensers for toiletries.  Encourage the use of refillable dispensers or if a facility provides toiletries in small quantities, encourage the facility to replace the containers only when they are empty or for a new guest.
• Energy Efficiency.  Encourage the use of energy efficient lighting & sensors.  The use of compact fluorescents in rooms and in recessed lighting is a good way to reduce energy costs.  Also, facilities should be recycling all fluorescent lamps.
• Electronically controlled heating & air conditioning  saves energy and money.
• Publicly available copiers should have double-sided copying option.
• Recycling should be available in all meeting and guest rooms.  Information should be provided to guests to explain what is collected.
• Water Conservation.  Low-flow toilets and water fixtures save water and money.  Other water-saving opportunities include food service, laundry and landscaping changes.
• Restrooms are equipped with air dryers to reduce the use of paper towels.

During the event

• Clean-up crews should be trained to recycle all recyclable materials.
• All recycling areas should be well marked and easily accessible.
• Reusable dishes, silverwares, napkins, tablecloths and serving containers should be used.
• No Styrofoam.   If not able to use reusable products, use paper or biodegradable materials for disposable cups and take-out containers.
• Avoid use of boxed lunches to reduce generation of waste.
• Provide water and other beverages in pitchers or bulk dispensers.

After the event

• Provide conference proceedings electronically via e-mail, internet, flash drives or CD-ROM.
• Assess program an identify potential improvements and suggestions.

For additional ideas, visit the Environmental Protection Agency's Green Meetings page. For more information on the Delaware Green Lodging Program, contact:

Crystal Nagyiski
DNREC Pollution Prevention (P2) Program
89 Kings Hwy
Dover, DE  19901
302-739-9909 or
crystal.nagyiski@state.de.us

www.dnrec.state.de.us/p2/lodging