Sustainable Events

• Agendas, information, and other marketing material is offered electronically (avoid distributing paper handouts) 
• Sustainability is a part of the discussion in planning the event
• The event actively communicates sustainability objectives and performance criteria to attendees via outreach & marketing materials

• Event is held outside, without power needs
• Embodied carbon footprint is calculated

• Plant based (vegan/vegetarian) food is offered (at least 20% per CSU policy)
• Cultural and ethnic considerations are incorporated when selecting food options
• All leftover food is donated where possible
• Carbon and/or water footprint of food served is calculated and displayed

Definition of Sustainable and Green Procurement

Sustainable procurement means choosing products or services that have a lesser or reduced effect on human health and the environment when compared with competing products or services that serve the same purpose. Learn more.  

Green procurement means choosing products or services that “have a lesser or reduced effect on human health and the environment when compared with the competing products or services that serve the same purpose (EPA website).”

Best Practices and Resource Links 

• Establish a committee to brainstorm and research sustainable procurement practices. 
• Become familiar with ISO 20400 standard, which is specific to the practice of sustainable procurement. Learn more.   
• Integrate sustainability into procurement contracts and vendor agreements.
• Understand the importance of sustainable procurement. Learn more.   
• Communicate with your supply chain partners – the earlier, the better. 
• Track sustainability factors of items purchased as you go; don’t wait until the end. 

SWAG/Giveaways

• Dispense with giveaways.
• Give virtual gifts in lieu of tangible gifts.
  • Virtual video shoutouts
  • Online courses
  • Online personality tests
  • E-books
  • Virtual private lessons (cooking, musical instruction, etc.)
  • Discount to next event
  • Make a donation in the guest’s name
  • Make a legacy gift (a planting, etc.) in the guest’s name or in the event name
• Give reusable, edible, or consumable items.
  • Ensure the edible gifts are small batch
  • Purchase regionally, locally, and seasonally
  • Choose certified Fair Trade products. Learn more.
  • Watch packaging
  • Have a goal to make swag zero waste

Green Cleaning

CSUMB supports the use of green cleaning products and processes. We work with our contractor vendors to ensure green cleaning processes are in place and followed. However, if your event requires the purchase of outside cleaning products/supplies, please look for these attributes to identify green cleaning products:

• Minimizes exposure to concentrates
• No ozone depleting substances
• Recyclable packaging
• Recycled content in packaging
• Reduced bioconcentration factor
• Reduced flammability
• Reduced or no added dyes, except when added for safety purposes
• Reduced or no added fragrances
• Reduced or no skin irritants
• Reduced or no volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
• Reduced packaging

• The event is hosted online via a videoconference or teleconference application. 
• Event materials include information on alternative transportation, including bus routes, and education to increase awareness about ways to reduce fuel consumption.
• Event location is chosen to accommodate sustainable modes of transportation such as bike racks, bus/shuttle stops, walking paths and accessible parking.
• Information is collected regarding the transportation modality chosen by participants.

• Event three-stream bins are requested for the event
• BPI Certified Compostable packaging or ware (i.e. utensils, plates) 
• Recyclable packaging and ware (chasing arrows that are recyclable -> 1, 2, 5)
• Washable service ware is used
  • If washable ware is not available: 
    • Food, drinks and snacks are served in bulk to avoid any unnecessary packaging waste
    • Avoid purchasing plastic or paper-boxed meals
• There is a designated team to assist with waste sorting at the event (i.e. blue strike, “waste-watchers”) 
• No single use plastic water bottles 
• Styrofoam is NOT used (plates, trays, cups, bowls, etc.)  
• Guests are encouraged to bring their own reusable bags, coffee mugs or water bottles to reduce need for disposable dining ware and supplies
• Food and drink are served in bulk to avoid unnecessary packaging waste
• A waste audit is conducted following the event
• Promotional materials, favors, condiments, snacks and cutlery are not individually wrapped in plastic
• All outside vendors comply with zero waste policies