Network Services Goes Green
The 2008 GSA ITS Network Services Conference will continue efforts to become friendlier to the environment by making this year “greener”.  Here is what we have done and will continue to do to help preserve the environment.

• Speaker handouts will be available on the web site.  No handouts will be produced.
• All conference marketing materials have been produced electronically, nothing has been printed and mailed.
• The conference program will be printed on environment-friendly paper that is 100% recycled, 50% post-consumer waste, processed chlorine free and ancient forest friendly.  It will be printed using soy inks and water based coatings.
• A reduction of printed pieces when possible.  For example, the pocket program can be detached from the final program rather than two separate printed items. 
• Most signage will be electronic, or where necessary, created in waste-reducing sizes.
• Plastic name badge holders were collected at the 2007 conference and will be reused for 2008. Please turn in your badge holder at the end of the 2008 conference.
• Water service at meal functions will be “at your request” only.
• Recycled or reusable food and beverage service products will be utilized wherever possible. 
• Containers will be available throughout the hotel to recycle aluminum, glass and paper.
• An environmentally conscious tote bag will hold your conference materials –made from recycled materials and a great size for you to use at the grocery store when you get home.
• Bottled water will not be served, water stations with reusable glassware will be available. (Bring your favorite water bottle with you to use throughout the conference!)
• Several foods served at Network Services 2008 will be from local growers.

Green Meetings Good for the Earth
A typical 5 day conference for 2,500 attendees will use 90,000 cans or bottles, 75,000 cups and 87,500 napkins (Meeting Strategies Worldwide, 2003).
To continue to enjoy the quality of life we treasure we all need to work and live in a more sustainable manner. For the meeting industry this involves making a concerted effort to reduce our use of resources and the amount of waste that results from meeting activities.

The following examples show how green meeting practices benefit the environment:

• The San Francisco Hilton recycles approximately 800 pounds of cardboard daily and 5000 pounds of glass, plastic, and metal weekly. In addition, by composting organic waste the Hilton has eliminated almost 5 tons of waste per week and cut its garbage in half (Association Meetings, 2004).
• Initiating a linen and towel reuse program can conserve 200 barrels of oil - enough to run a family car 180,000 miles (Green Suites International).

All journeys start with a single step. We encourage you to walk your own path toward reducing the environmental impact of your meetings, but propose the following ideas to help you on your way. These practices not only help care for the earth, but can be easily started with minimal to no cost, and may even save money!

Sheraton Dallas Green Practices

• The hotel does not recycle, but does allow conference groups to coordinate/manage their own recycle program, at their own expense, through a local provider.
• One of the largest contributors to the North Texas Food Bank
• In both guest and meeting rooms florescent lighting is utilized whenever possible.
• Recyclable linen, silver and china are used on all functions.  95% of the items used in banquets are recyclable.
• An energy system manages heating, air conditioning and lighting in meeting and public space areas. 
• Guests designate when they would like linens washed.  If bath linens are placed on the floor, or a card is placed on the bed, linens are replaced.
• Water stations are placed in all meeting rooms.
• The majority of the food and beverage items are bought/served in bulk.
• Upon check in, the hotel offers guests the option of daily newspaper delivery, rather than automatically delivering newspapers to all guest rooms.
• Uses a paperless check in process.
• Uses local, organically grown products whenever possible.