11 Ways to Reduce Environmental Impact When Hosting Events
Whether you’re hosting a business conference or other type of large event at a hotel, there are many different ways that you can help reduce the environmental impact of your event. The Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel and Spa in Monterey California has an ongoing commitment to green meetings and caring for the earth as they do for their guests. Here, the hotel’s team shares 11 ways to reduce the environmental impact of events:
1. Plan ahead.
Surprises are lots of fun, but not for meetings. Provide the hotel or venue with your meeting info and event orders 10 days in advance to reduce the use of last-minute resources.
2. Please recycle.
Commit to using the recycling bins provided by the hotel at all functions, meetings, offices and guest rooms—making it easy to be green. Recycling services vary by property.
3. Print local.
It's better to print it there than bring it there. It's even better to print on recycled paper—ask your hotel for a list of recommended environmental printing services.
4. Ship less.
Shipping meeting materials wastes fuel, paper, plastic, energy, and water. At Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel and Spa, no more than one pallet of materials can be shipped to the hotel for each 100 rooms occupied and no more than ½ pallet going home.
5. Take what you need.
Rather than handing out pens and note pads, place all meeting materials in a central location so meeting attendees can take only what they need.
6. Ban the bottle.
Drinking lots of water is good—but not from a plastic bottle. Instead, use reusable bottles and refill at conveniently located filtered water stations.
7. Waste not.
While you’re at it, eliminate the use of other disposable products at meetings, such as replacing the regular paper tissue packs with a reusable tissue box. Exceptions can be made for boxed meals and poolside service.
8. Set reasonable temperatures.
Keep it comfy by setting reasonable meeting temperatures. Set the meeting room temperature at an agreed-upon number and keep it there. Not too hot, not too cool is just right.
9. Eat local.
Don't think of it as just a meeting, think of it as chance to sample the local flavor. The seasonal banquet menus at Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel & Spa feature locally grown and sourced products. Be sure to check with your hotel or venue to see what local food options are available.
10. Use recycled products.
Your ideas will look just as smart on 100% recycled paper. Other items, such as menus and pens, should have at least some recycled material too.
11. Skip the linens.
Table linens and the associated laundry and labor costs are extremely expensive. By providing linen-less tables, you will benefit the environment by conserving water and energy consumption.
For more information, visit Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel and Spa’s website and follow them on Instagram: @hyatt
Kamala Kirk is a University of Southern California graduate and has been an editor/writer for more than a decade. She has written for E! Online, Total Beauty, TravelAge West, Malibu Times Magazine, and many more. She resides in Los Angeles and is a proud pug mom. Follow her on Instagram: @kamalakirk