In Practice
In keeping with our commitment to sustainability, NAIOP New Jersey utilizes “green” practices in our event and organizational management. In an effort to reduce the environmental impact of member communications, the Gala and our other events, the association implemented the following practices years ago.
Electronic Communications & Marketing: we have replaced “snail mail” with electronic communications and marketing, cutting paper usage and reducing the waste stream dramatically. With the exception of occasional post card mailings and the Gala invitations, virtually all communications are digital.
Green Printing: For events such as the Gala that require substantial printed material, we use green printers: the use of soy inks and recycled paper assist in the reduction of emissions that cause air pollution. Soybean agriculture uses only 0.5% of the total energy needed to produce soy ink. Soybeans remove damaging carbon dioxide from the atmosphere as they grow, and soy ink is naturally low in Volatile Organic Compounds, which evaporate and react to sunlight. Recycled paper conserves resources, generates less pollution during manufacturing (since the fibers have already been processed once) and reduces solid waste by diverting usable paper from the waste stream.
Virtual Meeting Materials: We encourage our speakers to make PowerPoint presentations and handouts available in PDF form for electronic distribution to attendees.
Electronic payments & invoices: All registrants are urged to use credit cards and either online registration or email registration to save paper and the energy (and expense) involved in postal mail.
Flexible menus: We work with the banquet departments of host venues to encourage flexibility in menu planning. This allows the chef to base our menus on the food selections of other clients using the facility the same day/week, purchase in bulk and save energy, packaging and waste.
