Long before the green movement became a trend, The BALSAMS had embraced the vision and mission to preserve the environment.
It has been said that we do not inherit the earth from our fathers; we merely borrow it from our children. With that thinking in mind, we operate with a sense of stewardship of our resources. We proudly offer these available options for your next meeting below.
Disposable Free Service
At The BALSAMS, service is an important element to a greener meeting.
Refillable water pitchers are to be used instead of bottled water. Milk, sugar and other condiments served in bulk. China is to be used instead of disposable items. Linen napkins to replace paper ones. Cutlery is to be used instead of plastic items and stir sticks. Centerpieces may be edible-organic arrangements or made from reusable items such as silk. Cost for this will be the responsibility of the meeting planner. Paper doilies will not be used; they will be replaced with coasters where possible. Custom menus will be printed on recycled paper stock.
Food & Beverage Selection
Organic beverages (such as coffee, tea or wine) are available. Local and in-season regional cuisine is served where possible. Seafood choices are sustainable. Sample organic/sustainable menus provided upon request. Vegetarian & Vegan options are available.
Eco-Service Options
Other areas within the function can incorporate environmental considerations.
Delegates receive information about any nature-based activities or trails in the area. Walking maps of the area are available through the concierge. Any on-property green event space is incorporated into the event. Interpretive Programs available. Hotel/resort will e-mail contracts, etc., where possible. We can assist you in the purchasing for your meeting: Flash drives, Recycled Pens, Recycled Pencils, Reusable Bottles/Coffee Mugs.
Meeting Recycling
Use paperless technology. Use new media and electronic technology to cut down your paper use. Create a conference website; offer electronic registration and confirmation; and advertise using the web and/or email. Recycling stations/bins to be placed in meeting room. White boards should be used, rather than flip charts. If flip charts are used, ensure high post-consumer content paper (80% min). Promotional collateral should be minimized, where possible. Try using flash drives for all presentations, as a take-a-way for your attendees. If printed materials are needed, publish on recycled paper, using vegetable-based inks, and on both sides. Provide conference cups or travel mugs to your attendees to use for all coffee and beverage breaks.
The BALSAMS Commitment
On-site operations are important considerations when selecting a venue-conservation practices result in a resource-efficient property that is better for the environment. The BALSAMS is fully committed to the following programs:
ISO 14001 - An environmental management standard, specifying a set of environmental management requirements for environmental management systems. The purpose of this standard is to help all types of organizations to protect the environment, to prevent pollution, and to improve their environmental performance. The BALSAMS has been ISO registered since 2007. Environmental audits are conducted semi-annually. Our "Green Team" conducts internal audits quarterly, provides ongoing associate education, and keeps property abreast of current environmental standards & offerings. Waste Management Water Conservation Materials Use Energy Efficiency Recycling
"When one tugs at a single thing in nature,
He finds it attached to the rest of the world."
- John Muir
For Read more...rmation, please contact us at 1-(800) 255-0600.