Sustainability
The Academy of Management will continue its efforts to incorporate eco-friendly and sustainable practices at the Annual Meeting. Here are some of AOM's featured sustainable initiatives:
Greater Use of Recycled Materials: Tote bags, lanyards, pens and badge holders are all made from recycled or sustainable materials and are recyclable. Leftover tote bags are donated when possible to local charity. AOM provides bins for collecting badge holders which are disposed of properly by the facilities.
Reduce Paper: Due to technology enhancements to the online program, mobile app, PDF version and digital edition of the program, AOM began phasing out the printed program in 2018. Printing uses soy/vegetable-based inks.
Reduce Waste: This past year AOM piloted a new catering process to help reduce food waste through ordering. In addition, AOM reduced the availability of plastic water bottles and provided reusable water bottles (through sponsorship) with greater access to water coolers and pitchers in session rooms. AOM also continues to seek out opportunities to reduce food waste through partnerships with City Harvest and the Food Recovery Network (available in select cities) The AOM will continue to work with the conference hotels to offer locally sourced food and vegetarian meal options.
Reuse of Materials: AOM works with local partners to donate left-behind books and materials in exhibits.
Support Green Facility Practices: AOM seeks vendors and facility partners that support sustainability and recycling. In 2019 AOM sought agreement from facilities to increase facility temperature to 72 degrees (F) with less reliance on A/C. AOM has also had a long history of asking hotels to offer towel/sheet reuse programs for all contracted sleeping rooms, increased availability of recycling containers and partnering with existing facility programs whenever possible.
Reduce Use of Fossil Fuels: AOM only provides shuttle transportation to meeting facilities if the distance between properties is greater than 1 mile.
If you are interested in learning about carbon offset options and what you can contribute to offset your carbon dioxide emissions, here are some ideas to help you get started: A small effort can make a big impact!
Consider making the individual decision to contribute based on your own carbon footprint; learn more at the Carbon Fund.
Consider the ideas offered by Organizations and the Natural Environment, A Division of AOM.
Evaluate ground transportation options that minimize your carbon footprint, such as mass transit, rail service, and car-sharing or shuttle services.
