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Battelle has been working to reduce the environmental impact of the International Conference on Remediation of Chlorinated and Recalcitrant Compounds and the other conferences we conduct. Brochures are printed with soy-based inks on post-consumer, ECF (elemental chlorine free) recycled paper, and we’ve steadily reduced the quantity of paper consumed. Proceedings are distributed as indexed CD-ROMs, replacing the earlier multivolume printed products. Nearly all communications with presenters, session chairs, and registrants now are sent via e-mail.
Effective with the 2010 Monterey Conference, two significant reductions are being made in the quantities of printed materials. First, the informational mailing about the Program consisted entirely of 8-page brochures that highlight the various aspects of the program and direct readers to the 76-page Preliminary Program. The PDF document is organized for convenient on-screen browsing and searching. A small number of copies of the Preliminary Program were printed, and you may send an e-mail to chlorcon@battelle.org or call 614-424-7866 to request that a printed copy be mailed to you; be sure to provide your complete postal address. The second change for 2010 is that technical program registrants will receive abstracts for the approximately 850 presentations on CD-ROM, eliminating the two-volume sets of abstracts distributed in print at previous Conferences. This substantial reduction in the quantity of printed material handed out to registrants will also enable us to replace the large tote bags used for previous conferences with smaller bags.
At the Conference site, we will continue to provide filtered drinking water on tap, replacing the bottles of water previously consumed, and we will collect badge holders for reuse at future conferences. For catered events, china or paper products made from recycled materials will be specified, and locally grown food products will be emphasized. To the extent practicable, exhibitors and other participants also are asked to minimize the quantities of materials used and distributed. Because there are dozens of excellent restaurants and shops within easy walking distance of the Conference Center, participants should have very little need to drive or take taxis while attending the Conference.
Sustainable practices also are employed by the conference facilities. The three facilities that make up the Monterey Meeting Connection—the Monterey Conference Center, the Portola Hotel & Spa, and the Monterey Marriott Hotel—use sustainable products and practices wherever possible. They sort and recycle more than 70% of all waste and are 100% smoke-free to reduce both health risks and the quantity of cleaning products consumed. They select low-impact laundry detergents, cleaning products, and bath amenities. Upgrades such as low-flow shower heads and toilets, motion sensors, and fluorescent lighting improve building performance and reduce water and energy use. Their restaurants and catering departments participate in the Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Seafood Watch program.
Inquiries. The Conference Group info@confgroupinc.com; phone: 800-783-6338 or 614-488-2030).