Greening

Continuing our efforts to lead by example, Ceres has taken many opportunities to minimize the environmental impacts associated with the planning and execution of our annual conference.

From our selection of The Westin Waterfront as our host hotel to the ink on our printing materials and at a thousand points in between, we have worked to be mindful of the environmental consequences of our choices in the hope that the Ceres Conference 2012 will showcase how a commitment to environmental responsibility can be honored in a conference setting without compromising quality or professionalism.

A Carbon Neutral Event

Ceres is committed to being a carbon neutral organization, and we extend that commitment to include the annual Ceres Conference. While we strive to use and promote the most sustainable efforts during our conference, we still will have an impact on the environment.

In order to minimize our impact – and in addition to choosing an environmentally responsible hotel, providing a largely local and organic menu, and encouraging the use of public transportation – Ceres purchases carbon offsets from the providers within the Ceres Coalition and Company Network on behalf of participants.

The burning of fossil fuels for participant travel and energy use associated with this conference produces greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change. NativeEnergy has donated Help Build™ carbon offsets from their Iowa Farms Wind Project to balance those emissions. The offsets provide critical upfront funding for two new wind turbines on family farms in northern Iowa.

Conference Materials

In order to reduce resource use and waste, Ceres limits the size and quantity of the printed materials produced for our conference. We also pay special attention to the sourcing and methods used in producing and printing these materials. All print materials for the conference are printed with vegetable or soy-based ink on 100% post-consumer content chlorine-free recycled paper. All conference signage is printed on 100% recyclable materials and are recycled after each conference. We also offer all of our conference materials electronically.

Hotel Accommodations

The Westin Waterfront has taken a proactive role to being more sustainable by committing to their “20 and 30 by 2020,” committing to “reduce energy consumption by 20% and emissions by 30% by the year 2020”.

All cleaning products used throughout the hotel are toxin-free. The lighting throughout the Westin, including the conference space is all high efficiency lighting. All hotel rooms include low-flow shower heads and irrigation standard operating practices.

Housekeeping Services

Housekeeping staff will shut blinds and turn down the heat/air conditioning and turn off lights during the day in rooms while attendees are gone to save on cost and emissions.

The hotel also follows a towel and sheet reuse program.

Food and Beverage

Ceres takes great care to ensure that the food served at our conference is as sustainable as possible, serving mostly local and organic meals and snacks during the event. In addition, the hotel will use non-disposable plates, cups and cloth napkins and all condiments will be served in bulk containers, not individual servings, eliminating wasteful packaging. In addition, cloth napkins will be used whenever possible.

Local Travel

Ceres encourages use of public transportation whenever possible. The site of this year's conference, The Westin Waterfront, is conveniently located near the MBTA Silver Line with direct access to downtown Boston, South Station and Logan International Airport. For more information and directions, visit The Massachusetts Bay Transit Authority's (MBTA) website.