You might say sustainability was thrown to the wind in the rush to battle the spread of the coronavirus. In the beginning of 2020, there were pushes from big hotel brands like Marriott, who pledged to eliminate single-use plastics. Then the pandemic hit—and by mid-March even reusable grocery bags were a no-no. In our 2020 stories on sustainability, we explored the importance of keeping it green during the pandemic, debated the safety of single-use items, and explored future impacts of an industry U-turn on things eco.
Biophilic Design Brings the Genius of Nature Inside
“In choosing meeting venues and designing spaces, biophilic design elements can play an important role in creating much welcomed, authentic experiences and a sense of place for your groups.”
Take a look at the design trend that’s here to stay. Part intrinsic desire for nature, part millennial push to break the cubicle mold? Learn how meeting planners and designers can incorporate the five senses into the guest experience. Never underestimate the power of a house plant.
Live Events Beyond COVID-19: Sustainability Matters
“Overall, 54 percent of respondents said it matters to them if conference organizers incorporate “eco-friendly dining practices, such as compostable dishware and/or locally sourced menus, into the event.”
Dig into a Promoleaf study about sustainability concerns by age bracket, learn what attendees expect in terms of going green, and read up on rethinking your swag choices.
Better Than Sustainable: Regenerative Travel
“What’s the new and higher bar? It’s being called regenerative travel. And basically, the idea is that travelers should do more than no harm—they should contribute to bettering the places they visit.”
Leave it better than you found it. That’s advice for being a good house guest, a good camper—and a good traveler. Overtourism is a real issue that can devastate natural habitats and local communities, but preventing it isn’t enough.
How to Protect Ourselves—and Mother Nature
“In our urgency to defeat the virus, collateral damage is being done to sustainability. All that additional packaging, the throw-away masks, the toxic cleaning chemicals.”
Did you know disposable masks made with plastic will take about 450 years to break down? Have you considered that your next in-person event might smell like a Lysol factory? We took a closer look at what industry and sustainability leaders are considering when it comes to protecting ourselves against coronavirus.
How Zero Waste Can Survive COVID-19
“’No disposable package is sterile,’ rejoins Tom Szaky, the founder and CEO of TerraCycle, in an interview with Grist. Unless a product is labeled as sterile, bacterial contamination is present.”
What can planners do in the era of hyper-sanitation to keep attendees safe and still keep it eco? Find out here. You’ll also get a rundown of the five “R’s”—yes, now there are more than three.
