Zero Waste: Plan a Zero-Waste Event

How does my event impact the environment?
Let�s face it events, although usually joyous, generate waste, overuse natural
resources, and produce emissions. Extra transportation miles are clocked by
attendees travel and deliveries. To supply enough tableware and save efforts
in post-event clean-up, disposable items, made from paper and plastic are
commonly used. Other packaging containers like glass and plastic bottles,
plastic bags, cardboard, and aluminum and steel cans all add to increased
waste, especially if recycling receptacles are not provided.

How can I host a more environment-friendly event?
To be eco-conscious the host can appropriately plan and execute certain
guidelines:

   �    Provide carpooling and alternative transportation to and from the
         event

   �    Correctly estimate the amount of reusable, recyclable or compostable
         tableware needed

   �    Educate guests about their role in composting and recycling waste by
         providing instructional signage.

With thorough planning and forethought, a zero-waste event is possible, and
the resulting clear conscience is a nice bonus! 

�Producing one ton of paper products requires 2-3 times its weight in trees.�  -Worldwatch Institute, 2004 

Zero-Waste Quick Guide
1 - Use reusable tableware whenever possible
2 - If reusable tableware is not possible, use products that are created from renewable resources rather than products made from limited resource fossil fuels and virgin fiber.
3 - Compost or recycle all of your waste; use separate clearly-marked containers to help guests and/or attendants efficiently separate items.  
4 - Encourage guests to walk, ride their bike, carpool or take mass transit to your event, and provide information with your electronic invitations to make these alternatives as accessible as possible.
5 - Make your event carbon-neutral and offset CO2 emissions by supporting initiatives that reduce greenhouse gases.

Products for a Zero-Waste Event:
A zero-waste event should only include disposable products that can either
be recycled or composted. Choose disposables created from rapidly renewing
resources like corn, sugarcane or potatoes, rather than using petroleum-based
plastic or paper products made from trees.
Cups � PLA corn-based alternative to plastic: As opposed to �regular�
plastics that are made from petroleum, these products are made from an
annually renewable resource �corn. Cold cups are entirely made from PLA
whereas hot cups are paper lined with PLA. PLA will fully compost in 45-60
days.*
Plates � Bagasse, sugarcane-based alternative to tree paper: Sugarcane
takes only one year to reach maturity, as opposed to trees which can take up
to 30 years. The raw stalk pulp is used after the �cane sugar� is extracted,
thereby reusing an already �used� resource. Previously, the excess crushed
stalks were burned or discarded. Sugarcane will also compost in as little as 45
days.*
Cutlery � vegetable starch-based alternative to high-heat plastic: To
make this cutlery, vegetable starch is fermented, natural stabilizing products
are added and the final product is molded. It�s made from renewable
resources and , you guessed it, will compost in 45-60 days.*
Napkins/Paper towels � 100% recycled: 900 million trees are turned into
paper and pulp every year. Using recycled paper products uses 60% less
energy than virgin paper, and each ton saves 17 trees!

Bags � compostable also: Trash liners and collection bags are available in
compostable material. Made from corn, they compost just like PLA.

Find a local composting facility
Finding a local composting facility can be difficult. The best place to start is
with the local trash hauler or recycling facility to find out if they offer a composting
pick-up service or a drop-o site, or can recommend a company that
does.
You can find a list of composting facilities at:
� http://www.findacomposter.com/
Additionally local farms may be interested in adding food waste and compostable
products to their compost pile.

Q: Should I still use compostable products, even if I don�t have a local composting facility?
A: Yes! You are still reducing your environmental impact by using products that are made from rapidly renewing resources.

Offset your greenhouse gas emissions
You can offset the greenhouse gas output of your event by donating to a program like DrivingGreen.com.  They implement  projects on livestock farms that capture the methane normally emitted from the animal waste, and then use it as a renewable resource for energy. Methane is a greenhouse gas 21 times more potent than carbon dioxide as far as global warming is concerned.

DrivingGreen.com has calculators that quickly equate the amount of CO2 that your event is likely to emit with a comparable amount of methane (and nitrous oxide) that needs to be prevented from entering the atmosphere and assigns the necessary dollar value as your donation amount.

For more information go to www.drivinggreen.com  

�The average 2-day event for 250 people - including ground travel and hotel room power - would emit approximately 44,000 pounds of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere.

With DrivingGreen.com the entire amount can be offset for $260.00! For round-trip air travel add approximately $16.00 per person.�

�    DrivingGreen.com

This white paper is provided by Eco-Products, a supplier of compostable

and recycled food service supplies, office supplies and eco-friendly building

materials.

Download our ZeroWaste brochure.

Visit our corporate site at www.ecoproducts.com

*Compost period for a commercial composting facility