Do One Thing
Reduce. Reuse. Recycle.

In 2008, ICAN took the Women’s Leadership Conference ‘green’ in an effort to demonstrate how important sustainability practices are to our future. In addition to incorporating more eco-friendly practices in the conference, ICAN’s Green Initiative team developed “Do One Thing” messaging to inform conference attendees about sustainability and inspire them to adopt at least one method or idea for going green at home or work. Using the ‘Reduce. Reuse. Recycle.’ philosophy, ICAN, along with sponsorship and vendor partners, incorporated the following efforts into the conference: 

Reduce
a) Waste

       Encourage exhibitors to bring fewer pamphlets
       Encourage attendees to take only the materials they will use
       Provide Recycled/Recyclable/Reusable conference bags
b) Energy usage
       Utilize washable cups and utensils instead of disposable items
       Dim lights and turn HVAC system down during conference set-up
c) Carbon emissions
       Encourage corporate carpooling and distribute “I Carpooled Today” stickers (more »)
       Provide locally produced food as much as possible
       Purchase carbon offsetting items, such as planting trees, purchase green tags or green power
Reuse
d) Redistribute centerpieces, vendor supplies and excess food wherever possible
e) Collect nametags at end of day to reuse

Recycle
f) Provide recycled/recyclable/reusable conference bags
g) Provide recycling containers at conference for paper, cans, etc.
h) Use recycled paper or 20% post consumer paper and soy ink when printing some of the conference materials

Educate

i) Develop green message integrated throughout conference

     Work with advertising agency to provide an Omaha World Herald press release and television

     exposure

     Share the sustainability glossary

     Design sustainability booth that provides succinct information for the conference attendees,

     providing talking points

     Develop a basic " Just the Facts" sustainability sheet

j) Follow up with the attendees and provide a personal calculator link for further information

k) Determine the amount of carbon created by conference

More Resources

• Do your part to reduce the carbon emissions from the 2009 ICAN Women’s Leadership Conference by carpooling!  Click here to learn more about carpooling in the metro area using MetroRideShare.
• Green Omaha Coalition
• OPPD
• MUD
• Young Professionals Council
• Destination Midtown

Green Initiative Committee Members:

Denise Kuehn, Omaha Public Power District

Kellie Hall, Institute for Career Advancement Needs (ICAN, Inc.)

Kristin R. Case Penrod, Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce

Nicolette Amundson, Bahr Vermeer Haecker Architects

Karri Hanna, MUD

Jamie Grayson-Berglund, Destination Midtown

Ashley Liston, Omaha Public Power District

Danelle Eleson, State Farm

Craig Moody, Young Professionals

Paula Pittman, Omaha Public Power District

Leisia Nelson, Omaha Public Power District

Jennifer Graber, Blue Cross Blue Shield

April Rice, USGBC-Nebraska Flatwater Chapter