Going Green at SLAS2017
SLAS is making a concerted effort towards more sustainable, eco-friendly and socially-responsible practices at SLAS2017. This effort covers a wide range of initiatives that include decreased use of natural resources, donating surplus materials and food to worthy local causes, enhanced recycling and repurposing of reusable materials, and working with our conference partner/providers to ensure full-ecosystem awareness of SLAS' sustainability priorities. Extending to the SLAS2017 host city, SLAS is proud to report that Washington, DC was recently rated as the #1 city by Greenbiz for LEED-certified building projects.
Some of the "green" initiatives in place for SLAS2017 include:
- Converting the Final Program, previously printed, to a digital (PDF) Podium Abstract Compendium document
- Dramatically reducing paper and physical material inserts into the attendee tote bags, instead utilizing a Virtual Conference Bag (VCB)
- Using Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)-certified stock for limited materials that are printed
- Increased use of digital signage, dramatically reducing printed signage
- Extensive use of green products in Walter E. Washington Convention Center (WEWCC) session rooms, Business Center, restrooms, and by WEWCC housekeeping and catering services
- Ensuring surplus food is donated to local food bank, DC Central Kitchen
- Aggressive recycling of exhibition hall materials, including carpeting and padding
- Decreased use of plastic water bottles in favor of water coolers
- Endorsing use of public transportation and carpooling by attendees
- Using plastic badge-holders made from partially recycled materials in lieu of the standard fabric type
Watch this page for additional sustainability practices being put in place for SLAS2017. Please send any green-friendly suggestions for SLAS consideration to [email protected]. For additional information on sustainability at SLAS2017 and our conference service providers, see the links below:
Green Practices of Freeman Exposition Services, SLAS2017 primary services provider
Walter E. Washington Convention Center Sustainability Practices
