1. Applying the 3 Rs approach Recycle, Reduce, Re-use for taking the next steps in greening your events.

2. Did you know…..? During a typical five day conference, 2,500 attendees will use 62,500 disposable plates, 87,500 napkins, 75,000 cups or glasses and 90,000 cans or bottles. Add to this materials used for conference packages and promotion, greenhouse gases accumulated from conference travel and food waste left over from catering, it quickly becomes clear that traditional events, big or small, are wasteful. www.sustain.ubc.ca/campus-sustainability/green-event-planning

3. How to Throw a Green Party Eco-friendly food and drinks, entertaining tips, decorating advice, and fun activities By Danny Seo Resource: http://www.epicurious.com/articlesguides/entertaining/partiesevents/gre enentertaining http://www.epicurious.com/articlesguides/entertaining/partiesevents/gre enentertaining

4. What can YOU do? Don't Buy, Rent Instead of buying new supplies, you can rent chairs, tables, tablecloths, and even snow cone machines for very low prices. Repurpose Bandannas are a great reusable cloth napkin that won't break the bank. Prevent Waste If you use a caterer, bring your serving dishes to them. This way, they can avoid using disposable trays and platters.

5. More ideas YOU can do! Use Aluminum Foil Clean foil can be crumpled up and tossed into the recycling bin, making it a better option than plastic cling wrap. But, don't risk contaminating a load of recyclables: If your foil is covered in baked cheese and sauce, toss it in the trash. Carry a Tote When you stock up on supplies, carry a reusable tote bag. Not only is it a less wasteful choice than plastic but it's stronger and helps you carry more.

6. Clean up the party… GREEN Make Recycling Easy To ensure that your guests recycle, line decorative baskets with clear plastic shopping bags, label as recycling bins, and place near the trash can. Clean Green Use naturally derived cleansers. Method's cucumber-scented dish soap is one of my favorites.

7. Bring in the “Green Police” “GREEN POLICE” Add an extra element of fun and surprise to your event providing a strong “green” presence so your guests know you are serious about sustainability

8. Green Concepts to consider Begin green initiatives such as recycling pop cans, installing a water cooler that doesn't require plastic bottles or recycle used printer paper Don't have pre-filled beverage glasses at tables Give out refillable water bottles and set up water stations instead of handing out disposable bottles Make invitations digital instead of printed copies (section referenced: PCMA Canada East Chapter- Green Meetings) Use china, cloth napkins and real silverware instead of disposable products to reduce waste Source recyclable “ecotainers”®, plates and cutlery Work with the event facility to create a strict schedule for heating systems, cooling systems and lights

9. Food & Beverage considerations What to do with those leftovers? – Covers for food, use something other than plastic wrap – Use bulk containers, jugs for milk, water, juices etc Consider locally grown food items -Use Locally grown foods, wines and vegetables -Some support environmental programs -(ie: Painted Turtle, Plan a Tree wine, etc) What do you do with your corks from wine bottles?

10. Event Planning Elements & Components * Remember Consider going Green * Site Theme Hospitality Décor Entertainment Graphics Technical Operations Health & Safety Date & Time Location Cost

11. Simple & Basic Resources http://www.wikihow.com/Host-a-Green-Event