The Coastal Society's
21st Biennial Conference

June 29 - July 2, 2008 
Redondo Beach, CA
 

General Information
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Reduced Ecological Impact

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To learn more about
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The Coastal Society

Coastal Footprints

Minimizing Human Impacts, Maximizing Stewardship

TCS21 is Carbon Free!!

Carbon Free Information

The Coastal Society is pursuing its commitment to reducing and offsetting the carbon dioxide emissions created as a result of planning, traveling to, and hosting its biennial conference.  Greenhouse gasses, such as carbon dioxide emissions, are increasing and causing climate changes that are affecting coastal zone habitats and communities. Through a partnership with CarbonFund.org, TCS is reducing its greenhouse gas emissions, minimizing its impact on global climate change, and maximizing its stewardship responsibility.

The TCS 21 Green Planning Committee researched several organizations and businesses to determine the feasibility and costs of planning a carbon neutral conference. Based on several criteria, Carbonfund.org was chosen as our partner in this endeavor. Based on a carbon calculator provided by Carbonfund.org, the Green Planning Committee used data from previous conferences such as; number of attendees, modes and total distance traveled, hotel accommodations, and meals to be served to estimate the carbon dioxide emissions expected from TCS 21. CarbonFund.org calculated the total amount of carbon dioxide emissions (264.9 metric tons) and the cost to offset them ($1457.00). That amount was proportioned among the estimated number of attendees to determine an average cost per person, which will be included in the registration fee for TCS 21. This approach allows each participant in the conference to offset the carbon emissions they will generate, for a very affordable cost.

TCS is confident that its members and TCS 21 attendees are dedicated to reducing their contributions of greenhouse gases to the environment. However, we also know that attending TCS 21 is an amazing opportunity not to miss. So together, through a small contribution from each attendee, we are offsetting the carbon dioxide we are creating by investing in carbon-reducing projects such as renewable energy, energy efficiency and reforestation projects. Each of us as individuals and TCS as an organization must take responsibility for the impacts of our activities on our land and our oceans. We hope you are as excited as we are to participate in this challenge and to engage in real solutions.

Carbonfund.org is a mission-driven, non-profit organization that achieves the goal of lowering carbon dioxide emissions through: climate change education, carbon offsets and reductions, and public outreach. Their carbon offset projects are certified by numerous 3rd party companies and their carbon is verified and audited each year. TCS is proud to partner with Carbonfund.org to offset its 21st Conference. If you have additional questions about Carbonfund.org, please visit their website at http://www.carbonfund.org/

If you have questions about the process used by the TCS 21 Greening Committee, please contact Tali Engoltz at tali.engoltz@dep.state.nj.us

Other Green Initiatives

The TCS Green Planning Committee and the larger TCS 21 Planning Committee have been engaging in and planning for additional Green Initiatives.

• A TCS 21 Green Planning Committee was created to investigate and pursue eco-friendly conference planning and hosting activities;
• Planning meetings are conducted via conference call and notes, minutes and other communications are exchanged via email to minimize impacts of travel and reduce paper waste;
• Our host hotel has agreed to several eco-friendly action items (click here);
• Plans are in place for distributing earth friendly and useful conference swag;
• Whenever possible recycled paper will be used for conference related print outs and publications such as programs, posters, etc.;
• Conference presenters will be reminded to minimize hand outs and make additional copies available only upon request.


Green Hotel Practices



Crowne Plaza Redondo Beach
 “Green Practices” 

General Practices

• All newspapers throughout the hotel taken to a designated recycling bin and recycled.  
• All cardboard collected and recycled. Additional products, including metal and aluminum cans, glass bottles, kitchen grease, and paper products are recycled.
• Products the hotel offices, including computer paper, copier paper, newsprint, and aluminum cans, are recycled.
• Aluminum, plastic, and paper recycling bins placed at all major common break areas for groups.
• Guests are encouraged to conserve water and energy by participating in a linen reuse program. Details are made available on tent cards placed in every room. This is a company-wide program called “Conserving for Tomorrow”.
• Housekeeping changes linens every two days unless the guest requests otherwise. This is a company-wide program called “Conserving for Tomorrow”.
• All fluorescent tubes are recycled.
• Guestroom HVAC units are controlled by an energy management system. Motion detectors and balcony door switches shut down units when the guestroom is unoccupied or the balcony door is open. Low temperature settings are also programmed into the system for all guestrooms.
• Low flow shower heads are installed in all guest bathrooms.
• All toner cartridges are recycled.
• All old electronic equipment is disposed of properly instead of going to the landfill.
• Employee “Ride Share” program subsidizes carpooling (preferred parking spaces assigned) and use of public transportation.
• New Green Laundry Program (initiated by laundry vendor) creates environmentally progressive initiatives designed specifically for the hospitality industry, developing a new laundry facility dedicated to specific Green Program goals. Grand opening is scheduled for first quarter 2008.
• Pool and spa heaters and domestic water boilers are high efficiency and low NOX.
• Copy paper recycling – single side copy paper is re-used when possible for all internal reports.

 

Conference Practices

• Meeting rooms and common areas are kept at an appropriate temperature for the season and for casual summer dress. All functions are programmed into a central energy management system, indicating start/stop time of functions and low/high temperature limits.

Food and Beverage Practices

• Availability of paper, plastic, or Styrofoam is very limited and used only on request. Utilize ceramic/glass items for all conference attendees.
• Vegetarian options are provided upon request at every meal. Healthy options are also provided upon request of meeting planner.
• Pitchers of water/juice are made available instead of individual plastic bottles unless requested otherwise.
• Milk and/or creamers in bulk are made available for coffee and tea.
• Cooking oil is recycled.
• All liquor bottles are recycled.
• Grease trap is maintained to minimize amount of grease that enters the local sewer system and comply with local FOG program.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

last updated 02/03/2008
www.thecoastalsociety.org