A "Greener" SOLEC

Organizations of all types are increasingly aware of the need to consider the environmental consequences of their actions. Whether the issue is saving energy and money, reducing waste and pollution produced by an event or protecting human health, there are numerous actions we can take to act more sustainably. One area where the State of the Lakes Ecosystem Conference can reduce its environmental footprint is by hosting a “greener” conference.

SOLEC organizers are trying to ensure that many aspects of the conference – including its location, food services, transportation and the provision of materials, food and beverages - are approached with pollution prevention in mind in order to reduce the conference’s environmental impact.

Below are a couple of sections that identify how SOLEC organizers are attempting to “green” the 2008 conference, and what participants can do to offset their environmental footprint, both at the conference, and travelling to and from it.

What SOLEC is doing to make the conference “greener”?

SOLEC 2008 has been planned to minimize environmental impacts. Below you will see a list of some of the measures that SOLEC organizers have implemented for the 2008 conference as well as some other “green” activities worth highlighting.

• The Sheraton Fallsview’s source of electricity is 100% hydropower; a renewable source of energy.
• Most conference advertising and promotion was completed electronically.
• Email addresses were collected to circulate conference materials electronically pre- and post-event.
• Registration contractor is the industry leader in implementing environmental initiatives to reduce its environmental footprint. Visit
• http://www.streampoint.biz/sitePages/social_action/green_smart.asp for more details.
• Registration services available online. No need to print paper to register for SOLEC.
• Name card badges and meals tickets will be printed on recycled paper.
• Environmentally-friendly name badge holders will be provided to participants and
• Collected after the conference for future use.
• Paper materials that are provided on-site will be printed on recycled paper.
• Participants are requested to only print the materials that they need for the
• Conference (double-sided printing) and bring them to the conference with them.
• Participants are being requested to bring a SOLEC bag from a previous conference to carry materials. A limited number of SOLEC bags will be available for participants at the conference.
• Presentations delivered at SOLEC 2008 will be available online after the conference to avoid printing PowerPoint slides for participants.
• SOLEC 2008 evaluation forms will be available electronically for submission.
• State of the Great Lakes 2007 technical report (376 pages) and other reports will be made available on CD-Rom versus printed copies.
• Most poster boards and signage are reused from previous State of the Lakes Ecosystem Conferences.
• Recycling bins for paper products will be conveniently located throughout the hotel during the conference.
• 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.
• Locally-grown and/or organic produce, supplies and beverages will be provided for meals/breaks offered at the conference.
• Food wastes from the conference will be composted when possible.

What SOLEC participants can do to make their conference experience “greener”?

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. It will reduce both your carbon footprint and save you money.
• 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

• Watch for recycling containers around the event venues and recycle your waste including bottles, cans, paper, etc.
• Bring your own reusable water bottle.
• 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.
• Go sightseeing by foot or use public transportation.
• Share your “green” experiences from conferences and other events with SOLEC organizers to assist with the development of “greener” conferences in the future.

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.
• A newspaper will be dropped at your door in the morning. If you don’t require one, let the hotel know when you check-in.