Tips on Greening Your Exhibit

To support the environmental goals of the 2009 How to Market to State Governments Conference, exhibitors should have displays and marketing materials that are eco- and environmentally friendly.

Booth Designs

• Choose a re-usable design (aesthetically long-lasting, no dates or event-specific information)
• Choose recycled or organic materials (recycled plastics, organic fabrics and dyes)
• Choose a design that does not use PVC or synthetics
• Choose ENERGY STAR registered light fixtures and other appliances
• Install LED or CFL bulbs in light fixtures
• Choose ENERGY STAR registered A/V equipment
• Use rechargeable batteries

Informative Materials

• Use electronic informative materials instead of printed—download files to USB keys or make files available on your website
• Utilize lead retrieval systems instead of collecting printed cards
• If you must print, choose vegetable or soy-based ink and print double-sided on chlorine-free 100% post-consumer recycled paper
• Design brochures, hand-outs and collateral that can be re-used (no dates or event specific information)

Promotional Items

• Choose non-toxic and recycled/able materials
• Choose reusable and long-lasting items (stainless steel water bottles, 1,000 hour LED flashlights)
• Choose items with minimal packaging or no packaging at all
• Choose items that encourage sustainable behavior (reusable shopping bags, refillable pens)

Transportation

• Transport essential materials only
• Consider sourcing materials locally rather than shipping
• Ship in bulk to reduce the number of deliveries and amount of packaging
• Avoid pallet-wraps and other non-essential packaging
• Favor transportation carriers that have sustainable practices

Booth Tear-Down

• Reuse as much of your exhibit as possible
• Reuse print materials
• Donate unwanted promotional items to local charities
• Recycle everything possible (packaging, displays, electronic waste)