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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

The Los Angeles Convention Center recycles aluminum, steel, paper, carpet, concrete, gravel and plastic, while composting its landscaping waste and food waste.

In addition, the Los Angeles Convention Center is enrolled in the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power’s (LADWP) Green Power Program at a level of 30% of the facilities energy consumption. The Los Angeles Convention Center also joined U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Green Power Partnership, a voluntary program that encourages organizations to buy green power as a way to reduce the environmental impacts associated with purchased electricity use.

The Los Angeles Convention Center also uses 100% biodegradable food service ware, and is committed to attaining LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification from the U.S. Green Building Council.

The Los Angeles Convention Center plans to increase their diversion rates to 60%, a savings of over $67,000 in avoided disposal fees annually.

Los Angeles Convention Center in Downtown LA

The Los Angeles Convention Center’s other potential environmental efficiency developments underway include:

• Underground chilled water storage project analysis to reduce peak hour air conditioning power usage, and
• Commitment to participate in LADWP’s Renewable Energy program from 30% to 100% of consumption and,
• Replacement of additional lighting systems with more efficient units.

EPA Assists Convention Centers, Ball Parks and Large Venues

As part of its green venues outreach, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency offers assistance to convention centers, ball parks and other large venues interested in reducing their environmental footprint.

Potential green venues partners select from a menu of options to improve environmental performance. The menu includes many existing U.S. Environmental Protection Agency partnership programs, such as WasteWise, Energy Star, Water Sense, Green Power and others. The variety of choices provides opportunities for venues to focus on areas of interest and opportunity while taking advantage of existing U.S. Environmental Protection Agency programs.

For more information on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s WasteWise program, please visit: www.epa.gov

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U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recognizes the Los Angeles Convention Center as an "Earth-Friendly" Green Venue that diverts over 50% of waste and makes other environmental improvements.

In April, 2008 the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency honored the Los Angeles Convention Center for their commitment to environmental and sustainable practices.

The Los Angeles Convention Center is a partner of U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s WasteWise program, which recognizes organizations for their waste diversion practices. Through WasteWise, the Los Angeles Convention Center has recycled and composted over 1500 tons of material for a total diversion rate of 55% over the last year.

The Los Angeles Convention Center plans to increase their diversion rates to 60%, a savings of over $67,000 in avoided disposal fees annually.

Los Angeles Convention Center in Downtown LA

For more information on the Los Angeles Convention Center’s Green Initiatives, please visit the Media Center’s fact sheet at www.lacclink.com