Resource Conservation in Conferences/Exhibitions

Energy has always been a vital resource in the development of any nation. The prosperity of a nation is measured in terms of per capita energy consumption besides GDP, GNP, etc. While the world has seen hectic industrial activity in the past century it has also come face to face with serious problems arising out of haphazard utilization of the energy resources. During the intensive process of industrialization the world observed consumption of majority stock of its energy resources and deterioration of the global environment. Energy made up a very small component of the total production cost and monopolized business enabled recovery of high cost of energy.

Scarcity of resources and inefficient use are the common challenges in the present era. It has stretched the global environment to its limit as can be seen from unprecedented and unpleasant responses like acid rain, global warming, green house effect etc.so there is a urgent need to conserve these resources. Conservation is the optimum rational use of natural resources and the environment having regard to the various demands made upon them and the need to safeguard and maintain them for the future. A major cause of increasing environmental problems is the increase in the level of consumption of natural resources.

We are trying to extract more and more from the Mother Nature without arranging for the means to replenish it. As a result, the whole ecological balance of earth has been spoiled. Deforestation and droughts are the cost of consumerism. Global warming, droughts, famines are all the consequences of diminishing resources.

Exhibitions are increasing all over the world. Every exhibition  generates  a  lot of  waste  in terms  of  paper , wood , PVC , food . Lot of  energy  is  consumed in electrification and lot  of   fuel  is  burnt  in  movement of  vehicles  and  other transport means . Every year exhibitions /fairs go on increasing. We  have  fairs  all around  the  globe  on   every  product  whether it is  consumables  or   technology  product  .

Lot  of  earth  resources  can be saved  if  we  cut  down frequency of holding these  seminars / exhibitions  etc .

The suggestions below will help you minimize the generation of wastes from meetings, workshops and conferences.

Conference Promotion & Registration

• Use  recycled paper  and  all handouts should be double-sided.
• Discourage registrants from renting cars; provide directions on how to reach the hotel by mass transit from airports/major train stations/etc.
•  Communicate information on how to reach tourist areas
• Use manila expandable file folders for registration materials.
• Provide pens/pencils and notepads upon request,
• Hazardous chemicals are used in the production of permanent inks therefore; use water-based markers & pens.
• Use electronic or reusable message boards to cut solid waste.
• If plastic name tags are used, set up a system for returning them for reuse at the end of the conference; possibly offer an incentive for returning tags.
• Offer proceedings on  CDs  as an alternative to hard copies.

Hotels /  Guest Rooms

• Sheets & towels replacement is not essential each day to save water, energy, and detergents and increase the life of the linens; also do not replace partial bars of soap with full bars; housekeeping should be aware about the change in procedures.
• Shower caps, skin lotion, sewing kits, shoe buff kits, etc. should be provided on request only.
• Do not use plastic bags to put newspapers, only provide newspapers to rooms when requested;
• Place dams or other water-saving devices in toilet tanks to reduce the amount of water used per flush,
• Low-flow alternatives should be used instead of showerheads & taps with to save water, and,
• To save energy turn refrigerator off when not used by guests, if there are individual room-sized refrigerators.

Food Service / Restaurant

• Place utensils at the end of the serving line so that people take only those needed,
  serve offer only 1 size of plates (dinner plates) and do not offer salad plates;
• Use reusable flatware, glasses, mugs, and plates instead of disposables
• To save water and energy serve ice water only on request; no need to have ice water & glasses instead of on each table,
• Eliminate individual sugar packets, condiments, creamers, crackers, etc. to reduce solid waste (as allowed by local health laws),
• Avert individual bottles or cans whenever possible; when not possible, choose aluminum cans as they are totally recyclable,
• Leverage organic foods & beverages for the health of customers & to support organic gardening,
• Eliminate garnishes that most likely will not be eaten, such as lettuce under other foods, sprigs of parsley, etc.,

Energy

• To save energy  turn off lights & equipment when not in use.
• Don't over-illuminate.

Other

• Put recycling bins where they are easily accessible; mark them clearly as to what types of wastes are being collected, and
• Prohibit smoking in conference rooms, dining rooms, and common hallways

While organizing a conference/meeting, the planner has to arrange the following services:

• Accommodation
• Transportation
• Food and Beverage
• Convention and visitors Bureaus
• Meeting and event Venues
• Communication and marketing