All I Really Need to Know about Green Meetings I Learned from Fatherhood

Part of the fascination of being a Young Professional is the growth we observe around us – in individuals professionally and personally, in our industry and in our world.  Here is a great piece, written by a fantastic colleague of mine, that juxtaposes lessons learned from fatherhood with those learned from our industry’s sustainability efforts. – Nora Johnson, IAEE YPC Immediate Past Chair

All I Really Need to Know about Green Meetings I learned from Fatherhood

I am a proud father of two beautiful girls; Emily age 4 and Leah 8 weeks.  I am also a proud member of the Green Meeting Industry Council and currently a founding member and Co-Chair of the Programs Committee for GMIC – Colorado Chapter.  As my life evolved deeper into fatherhood and into green meetings – I started to notice some quirky parallels between the accidental lessons in sustainability through parenting and the green meetings movement.  So by now I trust all have been inundated with “Green Meeting Lists” but trust me – the below is not certified or standardized by the EPA, APEX or LEED, just some thoughts by a blurry eyed and sleep deprived dad in the meetings industry learning how to survive with two girls (and the wife) in the house.

1. Hand-me downs (internal) – items reused from sibling to sibling:  clothing, car seats, toys, etc.  Stinks no doubt for kiddo #2 and beyond but good for sustainability and costs.  Green Meeting Reference:  reusing left over conference bags, signage, décor, centerpieces, name badges, etc. for next year’s annual or other one-off meetings.
2. Hand-me downs (external) – items donated from friends and family with kids: strollers, bouncy chairs, pac-n-plays, swings…you name it.  All of these necessities are scattered throughout our house and again offer huge cost savings.  Green Meeting Reference:  donating left over conference bags, signage, décor, centerpieces, name badges, etc. to another Association or an organization in need such as a youth shelter, local school or boys and girls club.
3. Reusable Baby Bottles –whether for formula or mom’s magic those baby bottles get reused again and again.  Green Meeting Reference:  Reusable Water Bottles – dump the need for plastic bottle water and offer attendees a conference take away while reducing your footprint. 
4. Carpooling – what kiddo under 16 doesn’t carpool?  Think about it.  Green Meeting Reference:  Implement a ride-share program