Sustainable Campus Programming Patrick E Connelly Assistant Director for Student Activities Smith College

Sustainable Event Standards Develop standards for sustainable programming which all campus stakeholders adhere to. Rethink events and processes in terms of sustainability Advertise your sustainability efforts Moderated by Patrick Connelly Smith College ACUI International Ed Council Co-Chair

Example language for outside companies Company XYZ is committed to minimizing the environmental impact of the [name of event] through: Decreasing the amount of solid waste produced by the event; Reducing energy and water consumption at the event; Minimizing or off-setting harmful emissions resulting from vehicular transportation and energy consumption associated with the event; Disposing of solid and liquid waste in an environmentally responsible manner; and Eliminating the use of harmful chemicals at or for the event Moderated by Patrick Connelly Smith College ACUI International Ed Council Co-Chair

Transportation House guests and performers in hotels close to campus, especially those within walking distance. Encourage performers and guests to use public transportation or walk to venues. Provide participants with train and bus schedules. Encourage participants to travel using companies with strong environmental records. Consider purchasing carbon offsets to offset travel. For larger events encourage carpooling by setting up a website for participants to set up carpools. Consider offering a “virtual” participation option, especially for conferences or meetings. Moderated by Patrick Connelly Smith College ACUI International Ed Council Co-Chair

Catering Eliminate bottled water at events. Use pitchers of water/cambros and cups. Make water bottles or cups your giveaway. If you are serving beverages participants and encourage them to bring their own cup or mug. Become a “locavore.” Work with your catering department to purchase and serve food from a 100 mile radius of your campus. Serve meals on china, eliminating plastic and paper products. If “real” china is not an option, use biodegradable options. Use an “in house” caterer to reduce travel costs and emissions. Moderated by Patrick Connelly Smith College ACUI International Ed Council Co-Chair

Catering Offer bulk condiments at all functions instead of packets. Serve finger foods which don’t require utensils. Provide programmers a list of local caterers who utilize local farms and vendors. If local laws and college policies allow it, donate leftovers to a local soup kitchen or shelter. COMPOST!!! Moderated by Patrick Connelly Smith College ACUI International Ed Council Co-Chair

Giveaways Reconsider giveaways altogether. Do you need them for a successful event? Consider sustainable giveaways (totes, mugs, bottles, Tupperware) Use fair trade and local vendors for giveaways. Consider making a donation to a local charity in lieu of giveaways. At end of semester events have giveaway “recycling” days so that they can be reused or reused the next year instead of becoming landfill. Moderated by Patrick Connelly Smith College ACUI International Ed Council Co-Chair

Location Select energy efficient campus venues with good daylight, etc. Make sure bike racks are available for participants. Moderated by Patrick Connelly Smith College ACUI International Ed Council Co-Chair

Decor Consider using rentals or in-house equipment allowing existing resources to be reused. For meals consider reusable centerpieces or flowers from a local farm or vendor. Use local artists for décor or centerpieces or fair trade and local vendors. Make sure that there are multiple recycling bins available and that they are placed in conjunction with trash receptacles. Moderated by Patrick Connelly Smith College ACUI International Ed Council Co-Chair

Advertising & Printing Reconsider event programs. Are they necessary? Can you project a “program” on a wall or screen? Do not use glossy paper and use at least 30% post consumer recycled paper, or use Forest Stewardship Council certified recycled paper. Consider using 100% recycled paper and process chlorine-free as well as soy or other vegetable-based inks that are biodegradable. Keep event information online as much as possible. maps, and other supplemental materials to artists, agents and participants. Utilize online & digital media as your primary campus advertising technique. Use flyers/ posters sparingly and strategically. Develop reusable signage which can used at multiple events. If you print a program, consider using seed infused paper which participants can then “plant” them. Move to online reservations for larger events. Moderated by Patrick Connelly Smith College ACUI International Ed Council Co-Chair

“Sustainable” Event Ideas Tag Sales Develop a “Green Cup” contest on your campus to encourage student organizations to program sustainably Clothing Drives Book swaps Carbon Offsets Moderated by Patrick Connelly Smith College ACUI International Ed Council Co-Chair

National Events & Programs National Teach-in on Climate Change Powershift 09 Recycle Mania Chill Out: Campus Solutions to Global Warming reUSE a Shoe Campus Consciousness Tour Moderated by Patrick Connelly Smith College ACUI International Ed Council Co-Chair

Advising Move all guidebooks and resources on-line to a wiki or web page. Use online forms wherever possible. Moderated by Patrick Connelly Smith College ACUI International Ed Council Co-Chair