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Protecting our shared environment and the planet is of fundamental importance to the National Association of Clean Water Agencies (NACWA) and its members. To support this common goal, the Association and the Green Team at the Francis Marion Hotel, are working together to make sure that the 2011 Developments in Clean Water Law Seminar is an environmentally friendly experience by:

Meeting Materials

• NACWA has significantly reduced printed materials for conferences, and print only what is necessary to the success of the conference.
• Materials that are printed for our meetings are printed on Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified paper that is made with a minimum of 10% post consumer waste, and printed with soy based inks.
• NACWA lanyards are made from 100% post consumer plastic, mostly plastic bottles.

Recycling of Materials

• Recycling paper and co-mingle bins will be provided in meeting rooms and at breaks.
• Following the conclusion of the meeting, be sure to stop by NACWA’s registration desk to drop off your badge and lanyard – NACWA strives to recycle as many meeting materials as possible.

Other NACWA Meeting Policies

• NACWA offers only tap water at our conferences, so that we can all enjoy the product of our member’s labors and reduce waste.

The Francis Marion Hotel Environmental Policies

• The Hotel’s recycling program includes paper, cardboard, plastic, glass, light bulb ballasts, light bulbs, batteries and used cooking oil.  Co-mingle bins are provided in all hotel offices.
  
• The Hotel is certified to participate in the Sustainable Seafood Initiative & Fresh on the Menu program, where they use locally supplied produce and meats that are showcased in the Charleston Farmers Market. 
  
• A Towel and Linen Reuse Program is practiced in the hotel, so guests have the option to decline a daily towel or linen change.  When linens, towels and mattresses are ready to retire, the hotel donates them to local charities.
• Used furniture and hard goods are donated to local charities.
• The Hotel is initiating a program to donate all natural and synthetic wine corks to the South Carolina Aquarium which are recycled and used at floor tiles and insulation.
• Smoking is prohibited on the Hotel property and aromatherapy is used for refreshing the air in public spaces.  Live plants are located throughout the Hotel to promote healthy air
• Toiletry amenities are only replaced for new arrivals or when in-house guests are near empty.  
  
• The Hotel’s lamp shades are backed by thinner off white vinyl and there are sheer and black out drapes to reduce energy loss in guest rooms. 
  
• Bathroom fixtures in the Hotel are transitioning to water saving devices such as low flow and automatic flush and the hot water temperature is maintained at 125-135°.
  
• Guest room keys are made with recycled materials and the Hotel purchases recycled goods whenever the option exists (ex: package materials, office paper.)
• The Banquet service utilities all re-usable glassware & china, avoiding disposable service items.  They also purchase condiments in larger containers to reduce individually packaged item waste.