Green Meeting Tip of the Week #6

The season of giving is upon us. So this week's tip is a list of questions to ask when purchasing gifts for your clients, employeees and friends.

Is this product something worth keeping? (If not, it’s just contributing to the land fill.)

What is the ecological footprint?

Where is it assembled?

What inks are used?

Are these materials sustainable? Recycled, organic, etc.

What is the packaging involved in the product – is there a way for the packaging to be more environmentally responsible?

What are the environmental practices the vendors you work with are using in their businesses?

Is there a choice of production locations that would mean less transportation required? (For example do they have the option of ordering from a warehouse on the west coast versus the east coast.)

Is it possible for this item to be made in your country?

What are the labor conditions where it is made?

And don't forget it is also important to keep your audience in mind. For example, this Thanksgiving I received a gift from a vendor. It came by mail and there was postage due! If that wasn't bad enough, it was a Thanksgiving Turkey made out of foamcore--styrofoam. Needless to say, I didn't feel very thankful.