Choose Sustainable Packaging and Handle Packaging Waste for Events

Event planners aren't in the packaging creation business -- they are in the DEMAND and WASTE management end of the packaging challenge.  Event managers can select products and services that REDUCE packaging, and properly handle WASTE management so that packaging materials are recycled -- thus, reducing use of virgin materials and filling landfills... that produce methane gas --  and that's not good for the neighbors!!!

TIPS:

Select vendors and products with MINIMAL packaging.  Buy bulk whenever possible, even for water, snacks and flatware.  Reduction is the sincerest form of flattery...uhhhh, conservation! :-)

Encourage attendees to use RECYCLE BINS that are conveniently placed.  And then make sure that waste is properly cycled into an effective supply chain. A simple phone call or two to providers can encourage and improve the results for thousands of pounds of waste!

Sustainable packaging:

1. Is beneficial, safe & healthy for individuals and communities throughout its life cycle;
   
2. Meets market criteria for performance and cost;
   
3. Is sourced, manufactured, transported, and recycled using renewable energy;
   
4. Maximizes the use of renewable or recycled source materials;
   
5. Is manufactured using clean production technologies and best practices;
   
6. Is made from materials healthy in all probable end of life scenarios;
   
7. Is physically designed to optimize materials and energy;
   
8. Is effectively recovered and utilized in biological and/or industrial cradle to cradle cycles.

The criteria presented here blend broad sustainability objectives with business considerations and strategies that address the environmental concerns related to the life cycle of packaging. These criteria relate to the activities of our membership and define the areas in which we actively seek to encourage transformation, innovation and optimization. We believe that by successfully addressing these criteria, packaging can be transformed into a cradle to cradle flow of packaging materials in a system that is economically robust and provides benefit throughout the life cycle—a sustainable packaging system.

SOURCE: Sustainable Packaging Coalition