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A "Greener" SOLEC

What SOLEC is doing to make the conference greener?

The State of the Lakes Ecosystem Conference has made a commitment to practice environmental responsibility at each event. Below are some of the initiatives taken to make SOLEC 2011: “Linking Land to the Lakes,” a greener conference. The list includes how SOLEC Organizers are reducing material and resource waste as well as how participants can limit their own environmental impact.

  • Most conference advertising and promotion is completed electronically.
  • Conference schedule and other important information will be displayed on various television screens in the conference facility to reduce the amount of paper agendas distributed.
  • Email addresses are collected to electronically circulate materials pre- and post-conference.
  • Streampoint, our registration contractor, is a leader in implementing environmental initiatives to reduce its environmental footprint. Visit their “Green Smart” page for more details.
  • Registration services are available online. No need to print paper to register for SOLEC.
  • Recycled paper will be used for name card badges, meals tickets as well as other paper materials provided.
  • Plant-based, biodegradable name badge holders will be collected after the conference for future use.
  • Most lanyards and name badge holders are reused from previous SOLECs.
  • Participants are asked to print only the materials they need for the conference (double-sided) and bring the materials with them.
  • Participants are requested to bring a SOLEC bag from a previous conference to carry materials. A limited number of SOLEC bags will be available at the conference.
  • Presentations delivered at SOLEC 2011 will be available online after the conference.
  • Previous State of the Great Lakes technical reports will be made available electronically at the conference.
  • Most poster boards and signage are reused from previous conferences.
  • Recycling bins for paper products will be located throughout the conference facility.
  • All dishes, cutlery and linens used at the conference will be reusable.
  • All liquids will be offered in reusable containers in order to eliminate single-serve containers for food and condiments.
  • A variety of local foods including fruits, vegetables, Lake Erie perch and local meat will be served at the conference.
  • Selection of a conference hotel that follows “green” practices including: low-flow toilets, automatic faucets and toilets in public restrooms, programmable thermostats, indoor/outdoor sensor lighting, high efficient lighting, and a linen reuse program in guest rooms.

What can SOLEC participants can do to green their conference experience?
 Getting to the Conference

  • Register on-line and print only the materials you need for the conference before you come to the event.
  • Bring your own reusable water bottle.
  • If you are driving to the conference, consider carpooling with colleagues who live in your area or who can be picked up along the way. You’ll save on gas money and reduce both your carbon footprint!
  • If you are flying to the conference, consider using a shuttle service to get to and from the airport to the hotel.
  • Consider purchasing carbon credits to offset travel impacts.

At the Conference

  • Are you attending the pre-conference reception at the LEED Silver Certified Tom Ridge Center? Use the complimentary shuttle service provided to get from the Sheraton Hotel to the Center for the pre-SOLEC reception on October 25th, 2011.
  • Utilize recycling containers around the facility for your bottles, cans, paper, etc.
  • Return the badge and/or name badge holder at the end of the conference. Keep an eye open for convenient receptacles that will be placed around the conference facilities.
  • Collect business cards of presenters and have them e-mail reports and other information rather than collecting printed documents.
  • There is a lot to see on foot. Use the complimentary BayLiner Trolley system to explore Erie after SOLEC.
  • Suggest other green conference experiences with SOLEC organizers so we can implement them at the next conference!

At the Hotel

  • Turn off any lights, TV, air conditioner or heater when you leave your hotel room for the day. If the weather is sunny and warm and you want to keep your room cool, consider closing your curtains or blinds while you are out of the room.
  • Take the energy-saving option of not having sheets and towels changed every day.
  • Watch for recycling containers within your hotel room and around the hotel and recycle your waste including bottles, cans, paper, etc.