There is nothing worse for your eco-karma than green-washing. When companies advertise a so-called “sustainable product” or green event; some claim it’s “zero carbon”; but most just simply label it with the ubiquitous “green” tag. Here is a tip: if they just handed you a non-biodigratbable plastic anything then chances are the environment isn’t really their first priority. My bottom line: if an event is going to be labeled “eco”, “green” or “sustainable” – it must take every single opportunity to lessen the ecological footprint. This isn’t to say don’t take small steps or start incorporating green ideas and sustainable choices into your office, home and events: just don’t fall victim to green-washing.
Here are some real ways to make sustainable choices:
- Use a top-to-bottom approach of evaluating an event or product. Make a clear list of the largest energy consuming aspects (lighting, heat, air travel, ground transportation, materials productions, etc…). Ask the question: how can I reduce the energy needs for this event? Larger events will need the assistance of a professional evaluator.
- Engage your community; ask them how your organization could reduce energy use and hunt down suggestions on how you can be greener. Would your membership accept a newsletter via PDF? No? OK, how about reducing the number on in-person board meetings to one a year (and the hold the others via video/teleconference)?
- Hire a firm like GreenShift to evaluate and help replace all environmentally unfriendly products . Great for plates, cutlery, napkins and a bunch of great advice and counsel.
- Buy carbon offset credits
- Hold the event online – can the seminar be a webinar? Can a full AGM be held reliably online?
What do you think? Let me know in the comments.
Photo credit for green washing machine here and lettuce here.
