Here's My Great Green Idea!

I currently work for Build It Green, which is a Non-Profit in Berkeley, CA who promotes green building and healthy living in the state of California. Working here has taught me a lot about being 'green!' I plan to own a green event planning company called Verde Events in which I will apply green aspects I've learned here and add my what I've learned through various educational workshops and publishings. Some of the useful techniques I apply and will continue to apply to my events are:

1. No paper trails- I submit everything electronically (invitations, letters, programs, etc) and if I absolutely HAVE to use paper, I only use 100% recycled paper (and soy-based ink).
2. Venue options- I always search for green buildings first. If the venue has any green aspect (solar panels, radiant flooring, recycled materials, etc) then they are my top choice. If the venue is not green, then I look for a place that will allow me to practice greening techniques with enthusiasm! For example, a venue that gets a lot of natural sunlight would divert wasting unnecessary electricity. Also, a venue that encourages recycling and composting is essential.
3. Catering- I try to only utilize green catering companies who have local, organic options. I also utilize catering companies that use compostable packaging and silverware.
4. Water- I refuse to use bottles of water! They are so wasteful and people can go through numerous bottles in just one day! I prefer pitchers of water and compostable glasses instead.
5. Avoid unnecessary waste- A trend in the past was to make meetings plentiful. The guests would arrive to have glasses already filled with iced tea and water and a dinner roll already laid out on a plate for them. This is so wasteful! 90% of people do not even drink iced tea and nowadays with Low-Carb being the fad, only about 50% of people eat the dinner roll. Being green means minimizing waste- in every aspect!
6. Transportation- i always encourage carpooling or public transportation. I try to designate venues that are near public transportation and I try to coordinate carpooling amongst guests.

Overall, my mission is to produce events that will have minimum impact on the planet, but maximum impact on your life! I am very passionate about going green, whether it involves turning off the sink as I'm brushing my teeth, bundling up with blankets rather than using the heater, or taking public transportation to work everyday even though it doubles my travel time... No matter what, green is here to stay and I'm determined to see that it does!