Sustainability at Evolution 2023
We are committed to hosting a conference that incorporates, and promotes, sustainable practices. This commitment starts with our choice of the conference location as we attempt to select venues that minimize carbon expenditures for the majority of attendees while providing diverse and interesting environments and amenities. For those opposed to long-distance travel, we move the conference annually so it is in close proximity to a new group each year and the meeting will have a 2-day virtual component happening 2.5 weeks earlier than the in-person meeting for those unable to/choose not to attend in-person. During the in-person conference, we strive to reduce waste and carbon expenditures.
Following is a list of actions that we plan for Evolution 2023 in Albuquerque, NM, and ways you can help. If you have ideas for additional ways to reduce our carbon footprint, please contact us.
What we are doing
Following is a list of actions that we plan for Evolution 2023 in Albuquerque, NM, and ways you can help. If you have ideas for additional ways to reduce our carbon footprint, please contact us.
What we are doing
- Facilitating ride sharing - check out our ride share google sheet to find or offer rides to/from the conference. Note that information posted to this spreadsheet is publicly available.
- No bags, no bling - several years ago we committed to reducing waste by not handing out bags full of paper fliers and other items that most attendees immediately discard.
- No printed programs - we ceased offering printed programs many years ago to reduce paper waste. This saves on the order of 150,000 pages per conference! You will have the option of printing out portions or the entirety of the program from the online program if you wish, or better to make use of the online program and personal itinerary builder.
- No plastic bottles - we will strive to reduce plastic bottle waste during the conference by offering water and other refreshments in large dispenser containers.
- No plastic badges - we will be using biodegradable and paper name badges to avoid waste associated with the plastic name badge holders used in the past.
- Eating better - we have increased the relative representation of quality vegetarian over meat options at our catered events.
What you can do
- Travel smart - you can reduce your carbon expenditure by traveling by train (the Amtrak station is a couple of blocks from the convention center) or bus to the conference, or car/vanpool (check out our ride sharing google sheet to find or offer rides). If you fly, then look for other attendees to share a ride to downtown from the airport, or take the bus system, which is free through June 30, 2023.
- Bring a cup - the largest amount of waste that we cannot control is the use of disposable plastic cups during breaks and receptions - bring a cup or water bottle for your liquids! The convention center has bottle-fill water fountains.
- Bring your own lanyard - we have reduced the badge waste as much as we can by providing paper badges and biodegradable holders, but you can help us do more by providing your own lanyard. A necklace with a single clip for the badge will work fine (badges have a single hole in the middle and are printed on both sides).
- Walk and ride - one of the great things about Albuquerque is the ease and availability of public transportation. The local bus system is currently in a Zero-fare pilot system, meaning buses are free (https://www.cabq.gov/transit/tickets-passes) until June 30, 2023. There are many excellent feeding and watering establishments within a short walk or easy bus ride of the convention center. Take a stroll or bus to find some inspiring libations.
