• Welcome
  • Community
  • Blogs
  • Photos
  • Join
  • Log in
Follow MNN    
MNN - Mother Nature Network - Envrionmental News
improve your world
Friday, February 10, 2012
  • Earth Matters

    Browse All » Animals Weather Energy Politics Space Translating Uncle Sam Wilderness & Resources

  • Health

    Browse All » Allergies Fitness & Well-Being Healthy Spaces

  • Lifestyle

    Browse All » Arts & Culture Travel Natural Beauty & Fashion Recycling Responsible Living

  • GREEN TECH

    Browse All » Computers Gadgets & Electronics Research & Innovations Transportation

  • Eco-Biz & Money

    Browse All » Green Workplace Personal Finance Sustainable Business Practices

  • Food & Drink

    Browse All » Beverages Healthy Eating Recipes

  • Your Home

    Browse All » At Home Organic Farming & Gardening Remodeling & Design

  • family

    Browse All » Babies & Pregnancy Family Activities Pets Protection & Safety

Tweet
Pin It
Email Bookmark and ShareShare
WorldShares lets you earn donations for your favorite nonprofit. Earn up to 20 points now.
Learn More

Earn Points
What's this?
MNN.COM›

MNN BLOGGERS

Jenn Savedge

Party planning tips from the Green Inaugural Ball

Eco-tips for any party from the planners behind the 2009 Green Inaugural Ball.

Mon, Jan 19 2009 at 3:53 PM EST

Photo from the U.S. Senate Collection
Washington DC is a regular party town these days...especially for the eco-minded.  Greenies from around the country are gathering in record numbers to celebrate the upcoming Inauguration.  As MNN columnist Peter Dykstra mentions, there four (count 'em) four green inauguration balls in DC this year.  And while that may be a bit of overkill, I found that a lot of the eco-initiatives they are using the green these events may be useful for the rest of us...even if we don't plan to attend a green inaugural ball. 
 
Last week, I chatted with Shelley Cohen, chair of the Green Committee for the 2009 Green Inaugural Ball about the strategies they used to make the ball easy on the planet.  Said Cohen, "We really wanted to raise the bar for future events." Here's how they did it:
  • Carbon offsets for 100% of The Green Ball's carbon footprint through Native Energy.
  • Locally-sourced, organic and seasonal food.
  • Major efforts to recycle, reuse, and compost
  • Lighting with LED light bulbs.
  • Minimimum use of paper and signage use.  Signs made with soy based ink.
  • Biodegradable soap and energy efficient air dryers in bathrooms.
  • Event linens cleaned without the use of chemicals, and in a manner that uses less water and drying time.
  • Minimum use of floral arrangements.  Those they used were organic and will be donated for reuse after the event.
  • Attendees were encouraged to use metro, walk, or drive a hybrid to the event.
  • Trucks in loading bays were prohibited from idling.
  • The event had its own "green" carpet that is made with 100% renewable electrical energy and made from 10% consumer waste.
  • Coat check used reusable numbers instead of paper tags.
  • Guests encouraged to offset their own carbon footprints through Native Energy.
 
Cohen admits that there were other things on their eco-list, such as donating all of the leftover food, that they could not do because of the event's security limitations.  One thing that I thought was interesting was that most of these things are doable in the "real world," for formal holiday parties, your high schooler's prom, or the upcoming charity ball.  This list serves as a good starting point for planning any green event.
 
So what do you think? What else could they have done to make the 2009 Green Inaugural Ball even greener?
CLOSE link:
Previous Post
Eco Mom: Julie Cottle
   Next Post
Homemade peanut butter
You might also like:

Comments

Follow this conversation
Add your comment
View:
  • All (0)

Add your comment

Sign in with one of these accounts or just add your comment below.
    Log in or
    create an account
     
    Login
Used only for emailed comments and will not be displayed with your post
Notify me with an email when other people comment on this article.
The posting of advertisement, profanity or personal attacks is prohibited.
Click here to review our Terms of Use

tease to Komen flip-flop

tease to week in photos

tease to doghouses

ADVERTISEMENT

TOP MEMBERSJoin Now
  • poland.jr
    21026 points
  • ecomainegirl
    9398 points
  • achase
    9323 points
  • LauraB
    5049 points
  • Momof2
    4514 points
All members

SIGN UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTER

CONNECT WITH MNN

Follow @twitterapi
 Tumblr
 Google +
FROM OUR SPONSOR
SC Johnson: A family company since 1886
Calculate the amount of water you use to wash dishes
New Ziploc® VersaGlass™ Containers make saving water and time a snap! more >
6 most pesky warm weather bugs
Don’t let annoying bugs ruin your outdoor fun. Keep insects out with plant-... more >
Play the Glade Decor Scents Fragrance Photo Hunt
Test your skills of observation by spotting all five differences in each pair... more >
Healthy home, happy family
Get the facts about SC Johnson cleaning products that are good for your home... more >
What’s Inside SC Johnson
A detailed look at the ingredients in SC Johnson's products. more >

ADVERTISEMENT



Quick Links

  • About Us
  • Advisory Board
  • Editors' Blog
  • Press
  • Privacy
  • Sitemap
  • Terms of Service
  • WorldShares

MNN Tools

  • Advice
  • Blogs
  • Day in History
  • Eco-glossary
  • Infographics
  • Lists
  • Photos
  • Videos

Connect

  • Community
  • Contact Us
  • Contests
  • Idea Lab
  • Mixed Greens
  • Newsletters
  • Polls
  • RSS

Channels

  • Earth Matters
  • Health
  • Lifestyle
  • Green Tech
  • Eco-Biz & Money
  • Your Home
  • Family
  • State Reports
 

Copyright © 2012 MNN Holdings, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Website by GLICK INTERACTIVE | Powered by CIRRACORE
 
SPONSORS