The 11th ICRS is proud to announce that it will qualify as a 'Carbon Neutral' event, the first ever ICRS to do so. A 'Green Meeting Strategy' will be followed. The 11th ICRS is an officially registered event with Carbonfund.org and a portion of your registration fee will be used to reduce the climate impact of the Symposium by supporting renewable energy, energy efficiency, and reforestation projects that reduce and offset CO2 emissions. The Local Organizing Committee is committing to the use of recycled products, reducing waste and offsetting carbon emissions where possible.

REDUCE, REUSE, RECYCLE, REFURBISH

11th ICRS Green Strategies

The 11th ICRS is taking steps wherever possible to reduce the environmental impact of the meeting. Some of these actions include:

• All travel will be offset with carbonfund.org through supporting renewable energy, energy efficiency, and reforestation projects that reduce and offset CO2 emissions.
• Attendees have the option of the abstract book online instead of a hardcopy.
• Post-Symposium proceedings as an option will be available electronically (CD) rather than a hardcopy.
• Printing of the 2nd Circular on 80% recycled paper.
• The air-conditioning will be set to 74F instead of the usual 68F and will be off in un-used rooms.
• All lighting will be centrally monitored and off when not in use.
• All toilet paper, paper towels are made with recycled paper.
• All cleaning products used are environmentally friendly products.
• All restrooms in the convention center have toilets that have been fitted with water saving devices.
• The convention center also has only native plants on its property, which are less needy on the environment.
• Disposable cups will be made of potato starch.
• Reusable coffee cup / water bottle will be provided to limit the use of disposables.
• Condiments will be dispensed in bulk instead of individual wrappings.
• The foods will be bought as locally as possible with plenty of vegetarian options.
• All foods that are not used will be taken to the Daily Bread shelter.
• Recycling is presently being coordinated, and we are hoping to add a composting option too.
• Bio-diesel shuttle buses will be used for attendees to and from hotels.
• Hotels have been chosen on their proximity to the convention center to reduce unnecessary transportation.
• All hotels have been sent 'Green information' and are working with the convention center on introducing green strategies.
• There will be a Green booth to educate everyone on how we all can make a difference with our own individual actions.
• We are using signage in the exhibit hall from another meeting and our new signs will be recycled and used at other conventions.

General Green Strategies

There are numerous websites suggesting options which we urge you to visit. A big bonus is that these measures are beneficial both environmentally and economically. Even the smallest change can provide a meaningful difference.

General information	www.life.ca www.earth911.org www.treehugger.com http://green.yahoo.com/ www.keysglee.com www.thegreenguide.com
Energy Efficiency	www.energystar.gov www.saveenergy.com
Energy Research	www.fsec.ucf.edu/en/
Greener Vehicles	www.greenercars.com www.fueleconomy.gov
Hosting Green Meetings	www.bluegreenmeetings.org www.greenmeetings.info.com
Green Hotels	www.greenhotels.com www.environmentallyfriendlyhotels.com
Eating Green	100milediet.org/ openthefuture.com/cheeseburger_CF.html
Recycling	www.cellforcash.com www.craigslist.org www.freecycle.org www.recycledpcparts.com www.rbrc.org
Reducing Paper Usage	www.printgreener.com www.dmaconsumers.org