Celebrate Earth Day - Simple, Sustainable Solutions for a Greener Trade Show Experience

    LARKSPUR, CA, April 18, 2012 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Earth Day, next weekend, is a good time to be reminded that small changes can make a big difference in reducing waste and conserving resources at trade shows. For exhibitors, putting your best green foot forward not only reduces your environmental impact, but also conveys a positive image to customers and prospects and may even save you money. "Trade shows are notorious for the amount of waste they generate from promotional items to food samples." said Peggy Cross, founder of EcoTensil, "Anything that can be done to reduce that waste and protect our earth for future generations is a perfect thing to do on Earth Day and every day." EcoTensil, makers of compostable, ultra-green paperboard utensils, aims to help retailers green their trade show experience by offering the following simple tips.

1. Ask about green opportunities.
Always ask your trade show coordinator what options are available to facilitate greening your booth. It is important to let them know the expectations you have for greener tradeshows, such as easy access for disposing of sorted waste and for the recycling of corrugated boxes. Ask them if they are cleaning and reusing carpeting, or just piling it up in a landfill. As more exhibitors reach out to show coordinators and contractors with these requests, greener options will become more readily available.

2. Separate trash, compost and recycling.
Most trade show facilities have places for exhibitors to recycle, and more and more food shows offer bins specifically for compostable items. Investigate the available disposal options before the show and have two clearly marked receptacles for sorting disposables in your booth. Ask your floor manager for the location of the nearest recycling or composting location for easy disposal of your reclaimable waste at the end of the day.

"We offer only compostable products in our booth so our only trash bin has a large 'compostables only' sign over it," said Peggy Cross, founder of EcoTensil. "Since our products are also recyclable, if a show doesn't provide a compost option, we use a big 'recyclables only' sign instead. We keep a paper bag under our table for the bits of other trash that end up in the booth."

Here are some links to compact, booth-friendly receptacles:
http://bit.ly/uclVWy
http://bit.ly/w2XqV0

3. Practice sustainable sampling.
For trade shows where food samples are offered, the utensils, napkins, plates and other serving ware used generate a huge amount of waste. At the 2011 NASFT Summer Fancy Food Show about 900,000 plastic utensils were used over just 3 days! For exhibitors serving samples, look for utensils and other eco-friendly service ware that provide a more sustainable alternative to plastic. "It's disconcerting when you think about it," says Cross, "A plastic tasting spoon is used for just seconds but will live on in our oceans and landfills for hundreds or thousands of years to come."

When looking for more sustainable sampling options make sure service ware is labeled 'compostable', not just 'biodegradable.' Biodegradable products are typically not accepted in commercial compost facilities and will eventually end up in landfills.

4. Donate leftover food.
Many trade shows have food donation or composting programs, so make sure to check with the show prior to attending about how to ensure left over food doesn't go to waste.

5. Minimize the use of printed materials.
Instead of handing out pamphlets and press materials to attendees who are already collecting a heap of these papers, consider more sustainable means, like QR codes or reusable flash drives. Some trade shows also offer the option of renting a scanner to exchange information with exhibitors and attendees.

For situations when you need printed information, you can eliminate waste by using individual sell sheets instead of entire packets, and your customers will appreciate having to carry less. At the end of the show, bring your unused materials back with you and put unwanted materials in one of the show's recycling bins; don't just leave them at the booth.

6. Research efficient transportation to and from the venue.
By taking public transportation to and from the show location, not only do you avoid the cost and hassle of parking, but you also minimize the pollution that goes along with driving around a congested city. Finding a hotel within walking distance of the show venue also eliminates the need to rent a car or drive each day. If you must rent a car, ask for a hybrid. Some rental companies provide incentives to make greener choices; the SFO Airport provides a $15 discount to customers who choose to rent hybrid vehicles.

7. Rehydrate responsibly.
Traveling with a reusable water bottle is always recommended, but for exhibitors and attendees alike, having one at a trade show is a must. At most trade shows the drinking water available is in jugs with plastic or paper cups to drink from. Being on your feet all day makes water a necessity, and the amount of disposable cups used at events is astonishing.

About EcoTensil

EcoTensil manufactures ultra-green, silky-smooth paperboard utensils. The ATSM compliant, compostable EcoTaster Mini is perfect for sampling and is made from Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified paper. The larger and sturdier EcoSpoon is ideal for full size servings. Their patented, sturdy designs are simple, pleasing and convenient. EcoTensil products are materials-efficient and ship and store very compactly. Made in the USA. For more information visit www.ecotensil.com.

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