Meetings & Events
There are a myriad of sustainability concerns that come up when planning a large meeting or event, ranging from the types of food and drink that are offered to the use of plastic products that can be easily disposed of after the event is finished. All too common is the scene during which each table's disposable plastic tablecloth is used to wrap up the food and material waste on that table prior to being thrown in the trash. Alternatives for various food and material items are provided below to help make your meeting or event more sustainable.
Cups
Many paper cups contain an inner plastic lining to prevent liquid from soaking in. Obtaining the wood to produce paper often involves deforestation and habitat destruction. Look for cups that are both certified compostable (BPI) and sourced from sustainable materials (FSC). Maytree is one of the only brands that has both certifications. Their cups range from 8 to 16 oz and are appropriate for both cold and hot drinks.
Cutlery
Reusable silverware is the preferable option when attempting to reduce waste. If disposable cutlery is desired, look for BPI-certified compostable plant-based options. Examples include Biocean, Degralight, Ecovita, and Misisipi. Bamboo is also an option, though trial-and-error may be needed to find an effective (and preferably FSC-certified) brand. Examples include EarthClusive, EcoPreps, and Ecovita.
Coffee & Tea
Deforestation from unsustainable coffee growing practices contributes to deforestation, especially in Mexico and Central America. Buying coffee and tea certified Fair Trade and/or by the Rainforest Alliance or Ethical Tea Partnerships (ETP) supports ethical sourcing , sustainable livelihoods for workers, gender equality, sustainable land use, and a lower carbon footprint. Examples include Equal Exchange, Capeltic Coffee, Tony's Coffee, China Mist, David's Tea, Numi, and Tazo.
Napkins & Paper Towels
Raw materials used to produce paper and bamboo products often require the clearing of forests and/or are grown in areas essential to the survival of indigenous populations and wildlife. Look for products certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) or Sustainable Forest Initiative (SFI) as having been grown sustainably. Examples include Grove Collaborative, Caboo, and Mother Earth.
Tablecloths
Disposable plastic tablecloths are a common site at many meetings and events, particularly for schools and churches. FSC-certified paper tablecloths can be ordered via two companies located outside the United States: Papermon and Duni Group. Tablecloths made from natural fiber materials are also available from All Cotton and Linen, Rawganique, Pottery Barn, and Quince. BPI-certified compostable table cloths can be purchased from Aneco.
Paper Meeting Materials
If printed meeting materials are desired (e.g., program, list of attendees, location guide, etc.), use printer/copier paper that is FSC-certified and/or made from recycled post-consumer waste. Also, look for paper that is shipped in plastic-free materials. Consider the following brands: Aspen 100 or 50 made by Boise Polaris, New Leaf Paper, Hammermill, Elementree, and Southworth.
Name Badges & Lanyards
Name badge holders and lanyards are a constant source of waste from all sorts of meetings and events. By switching to badges made from sustainably materials, events organizers can maintain efficient operations while reducing waste. Look for badges made from FSC-certified and/or recycled paper, wood, or bamboo and lanyards made from natural fibers (e.g., organic cotton or hemp). Recommendation(s): Earth Light
Garbage Bags
Kitchens often use garbage bags made from low-density polyethylene (LDPE) due to its ability to stretch and prevent leaks. Billions of garbage bags are used each day and represent a major source of plastic pollution. BPI-certified compostable bags are recommended alongside a composting program as food and other wet items can cause tearing. Examples include BioGRN, SimplyBio, and SuperBio.
Food Storage
Plastic and foam food storage containers and clamshells are made from four major categories of plastics (#3, 4, 5, 6), all of which are not easily recycled. Microplastics and other chemicals, some of which are carcinogenic, can leach into the food from these containers, especially when heated or frozen. Certified compostable examples with or without compartments include Eco Soul, Stackman, and World Centric (also FSC-certified).