Ways to Begin 'Greening' Trade Show Exhibits

When it comes to the world of greener trade showLimiting the amount of paper used by your trade
displays, it can be hard to know where to start. Withshow displays is also a way to reduce the weight of
so much available information and new, eco-friendlythe exhibit. Consider electronic displays instead of
products to choose from, exhibitors can often feelprinted information. For necessary printed handouts
overwhelmed by possibilities. Luckily, there is a simpleand literature, choose recycled paper and a printer
method to starting the transition into morethat uses water-based vegetable inks.
environmentally friendly exhibits. By focusing on theThink locally instead of globally. Shipping from far
basic principles of sustainability, exhibitors and showaway destinations is one of the biggest wastes of
planners can successfully achieve their green goals.energy (and money) when there are often local
Think Reusable And Renewableoptions that are just as good. Check out nearby
These events are notorious for involving a great dealsuppliers of trade show exhibits and warehouses that
of drayage for each exhibit. The importantare close to the show site.
consideration for exhibitors to keep in mind is toCarbon Offsets, Reducing Harmful Chemicals, And
select quality materials that will last a long time andMore
that are made from renewable sources. WheneverFor the things you can not eliminate, consider
possible, buy, rent, or build trade show exhibits thatpurchasing carbon offsets to counteract the carbon
are durable and made from high-quality materials. Notfootprint of your trade show exhibits' materials and
only is this a green practice, but it will save yourshipping costs. While not the best solution to our
company money in the long run.planet's environmental problems, they at least
Create display signs with messages and graphics thatattempt to neutralize environmental damage. There
won't need to be replaced or updated constantly.are even eco-friendly shippers that offer free carbon
Choose vendors that sell trade show displays madeoffsets to trade event customers.
out of recycled or very renewable materials, likeChoose trade show displays that are made out of
bamboo or hemp, or Forest Stewardshipmaterials with as little harmful chemicals as possible.
Council-certified woods. If your company outgrowsSelect paints, adhesives, and other finishes with low
its old booth, look for other companies in the eventor no volatile organic compounds (VOCs) to reduce
business, or local schools or associations that wouldthe amount of health hazards that may result.
find a purpose for the display.Additionally, spread the word to other exhibitors
Less Materials And Local Materialsabout the eco-conscious vendors you choose to do
Not using as many resources reduces your exhibit'sbusiness with. Chances are, other companies are
overall carbon footprint. Decreasing the weight of thelooking to have greener trade show exhibits as well.
components of the exhibit is a good place to start.By reusing exhibits and materials, using as little
Select a lightweight portable or modular display thatmaterials as possible, and limiting harmful chemical use,
requires less energy to transport, since shipping is ayour company can be well on its way toward having
huge portion of an exhibitor's overall carbon footprint.more environmentally friendly trade event displays.