The Sustainability Event Guide (Campus Green Guide) is a valuable resource for academics, staff, and students at the University of Windsor who are committed to reducing their environmental footprint. It offers practical strategies and considerations for organizing eco-friendly events, promoting sustainability, and fostering inclusivity. The guide covers various aspects, including promotion, food and catering, waste management, decorations, and transportation. By following the guide's recommendations, event organizers can create memorable, sustainable, and socially responsible experiences for attendees.
Hosting a Green Event/Meeting:
- Promote your event digitally and use recycled or tree-free paper for printed materials.
- Choose locally sourced and sustainable ingredients for catering, including vegan and vegetarian options.
- Minimize single-use food packaging and have a plan for handling leftover food.
- Ensure proper waste management with clearly labeled bins and volunteers monitoring them.
- Use reusable or recyclable decorations and consider eco-friendly giveaways.
- Select a location easily accessible by active transportation and encourage attendees to carpool or use public transit.
- Advertise your event as a green event and conserve energy by turning off electronic devices when not in use.
- Food
a. Cultivate food sustainably by avoiding the use of chemicals, fertilizers, or genetically engineered plants and supporting local and organic agriculture food production.
b. Avoid using plastic containers. Most of the plastic wrapping, cutlery, straws, and cups cannot be recycled.
c. Make as many reusable purchases as you can. See if you can borrow any stuff, such decorations, from other offices or departments.
d. Steer clear of disposable materials like balloons. Choose artwork that can be utilised again at upcoming events.
- Waste
a. Reduce handouts, but if needed print double sided using classic fonts like Courier or Times New Roman to reduce ink use.
b. Reduce/eliminate single use plastics, decorations and giveaways.
c. Have labelled waste and recycling, and composting receptacles.
- Energy
a. Use natural lighting; reduce excessive lighting, switch off lights/power bars.
b. Provide directions inclusive of multiple modes of transit; encourage guests to carpool, take public transit, walk/bike.
- Transportation
a. Try to minimise travel for events wherever you can to cut down on carbon emissions.
b. Encourage people to walk, bike, bus, skate, or paddle.
AASHE
The University of Windsor is now a member of the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education. As such we have joined over 800 institutions in the U.S.A. and Canada in their journey toward sustainability.
COU
Read the Council of Ontario Universities 'Going Greener' reports.
ULSF
UWindsor is a signatory to the University Leaders for a Sustainable Future Talloires Declaration.
WECEC
The Windsor-Essex County Environmental Committee makes recommendations to city and county councils, promotes environmental awareness and supports sustainability efforts in the region.
Here are some links to fun and/or inspirational videos about sustainability:
Green Police Audi Ad Super Bowl 2010