2016 Law Seminar & Consent Decree Workshop Green Meetings

Protecting our environment and the planet is of fundamental importance to the National Association of Clean Water Agencies (NACWA) and its members.  Our green meeting strategy aims to lighten our environmental impact by:

Meeting Materials

• NACWA has significantly reduced printed materials for conferences, and prints only what is necessary to the success of the conference.  All information on the conference is available online.  We have also developed a NACWA Events App where all handouts will be uploaded.
• 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.
• NACWA lanyards are made from 100% post-consumer plastic, mostly plastic bottles. 
• The sponsored Key Cards are made from a minimum of 20% post-consumer plastic.
• All NACWA Signage is made from reusable materials.  The NACWA Sponsorship Bio-Banner is made from the new revolutionary biodegradable PVC material.  When placed in a landfill, the Bio-Banner will literally vanish within 3-5 years unlike other vinyl banners that remain unchanged for decades.
• NACWA staff also will be reducing paper usage as much as possible onsite, using ENERGY STAR certified computers and adopting other “green office” practices. 

Recycling of Materials

• The Hotel recycles Plastic, Cardboard, Aluminum Cans, Office Paper, Steel Cans, Newspapers, Magazines, and packing materials.
• Recycling bins are provided throughout guest spaces, such as guest floors and pool area.
• 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 and reuse as many meeting materials as possible.

Other NACWA Meeting Policies

• NACWA offers tap water at our conferences, so that we can all enjoy the product of our member’s labors and reduce waste.
• 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 and reuse as many meeting materials as possible.

The Intercontinental Kansas City at the Plaza Environmental Policies

• The Hotel recycles Plastic, Cardboard, Aluminum Cans, Office Paper, Steel Cans, Newspapers, Magazines, and packing materials.
• Guest room drapes are closed to keep thermostats at optimum temperature and energy efficient CFR bulbs are throughout the hotel.
• A linen and towel reuse program is in place and opened/unused shampoo, conditioner and lotion is sent to an organization that packages them to third world countries.
• Hand towels are provided in public restrooms instead of paper towels and the housekeeping staff uses environmentally friend cleaning products through their services.
• Excess food from Banquet Services is donated to local food banks and used ink and toner cartridges are donated to a local school. 
• Some landscaping has been converted to plants and flowers that require less watering. 
• 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 and reuse as many meeting materials as possible.