Follow these suggestions for event eco-friendliness to keep the environmental impact of your TEDx event as low as possible.
Energy consumption
- Optimize venue offices, walkways, etc., so they use as little electricity as possible
- Turn off lights and air conditioning when rooms are not in use
- Set computers, printers and other electronic devices to "sleep" after a few minutes
Venue selection
- Choose a venue near public transportion
Transportation
- Communicate mass-transit options to your speakers and attendees
- Provide free passes for public transit
- Offset TEDx event staff and attendee air travel through carbon credits
- The ground, use hybrid or high-efficiency vehicles, where possible
- Encourage carpools
- If taxis are used, choose taxi companies with hybrid vehicles
Event design
- Design reusable signage
- For production lighting, replace incandescent bulbs with CFLs or LED light bulbs
- Produce signage and programs from recycled materials
- Purchase furniture made from recycled products, and recycle or donate once no longer needed
- Order lanyards made from recyclable products
- Avoid cut flowers
Paper
- Where possible, use e-mail instead of paper-based communication
- Print and make copies on double-sided paper
- Use recycled paper products
Food service
- Choose beverages and snacks whose packaging is biodegradable
- Make use of reusable containers for coffee or water
- If disposables must be used, purchase compostable plates, cups and silverware
- Provide natural and/or organic food
- Serve organic and fair-trade coffees, teas and other beverages
- Use bulk dispensers for salt, pepper, ketchup, etc., for buffet meals
- Offer vegetarian options and sustainable seafood items
Water
- Provide water in pitchers or bulk coolers, rather than regular plastic bottles of drinking water
Garbage
- Minimize waste through a comprehensive recycling and reuse system organized at the venue
- Have clearly labeled recycling bins available with both words and pictures
- Have separate recycling bins for paper and bottles
Restrooms
- Use biodegradable toilet tissue, soaps and paper towels