We’re tired of all the freeloaders riding the “green wave.” Now, SIA is jumping on the green press release band wagon with this.
Being “green” isn’t a new concept for SnowSports Industries America (SIA), as the association has been implementing environmental friendly programs since the mid 80s. However, at the SIA.08 SnowSports Trade Show recently held in Las Vegas, SIA ramped up its efforts in order to support the old adage “actions speak louder than words”.
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ACTIONS SPEAK LOUDER THAN WORDS WHEN IT COMES TO BEING GREEN
SIA.08 SnowSports Trade Show Implements Best Practices to Reduce
Carbon Footprint
MCLEAN, Va. (February 27, 2008) – Being “green” isn’t a new concept for SnowSports Industries America (SIA), as the association has been implementing environmental friendly programs since the mid 80s. However, at the SIA.08 SnowSports Trade Show recently held in Las Vegas, SIA ramped up its efforts in order to support the old adage “actions speak louder than words”. Several brand new initiatives were put into practice this year as part of an overall effort to be an eco-friendly association and help reduce the carbon footprint.
The most widely recognized and well received initiative was the introduction of a brand new Market Segment Exhibit, ECOsource. Making its debut on the Show Floor, this exhibit, concepted, designed and built by Dept. of Energy from Seattle, WA, focused solely on snow sports products and initiatives that were recyclable, sustainable or made from recycled materials from over 70 exhibitors. “NILS was excited to highlight one of the many ways our company is consciously considering the environment. The ECOsource exhibit is a great progression for the snow sports industry and we hope it created a lot of buzz in the industry. It is important to keep the conversation of eco friendly ways of living and creating in the forefront of everyone’s thoughts,” stated Heidi Andrade of NILS. Also making its debut on the Show Floor was a Digital Press Room. Sponsored by W.L. Gore, the Digital Press Room housed exhibitors’ press kits in a digital format ONLY and made them accessible via computer terminals for attending journalists. Nearly 80 exhibitors participated by posting their press kits online for journalists to access which reduced a substantial amount of paper and waste traditionally discarded after the Show.
In other efforts, Sessions and SIA distributed nearly 5,000 FREE water bottles and provided water refill stations throughout the Show Floor. “Going Green makes sense for Sessions as a company,” said Sessions President Cindi Busenhart. “Our business depends on a clean environment.” Additionally, 2,000 messenger bags made from post-consumer recycled PET plastic were distributed to registered buyers. Over 20,000 16-ounce water bottles were recycled and reused in producing the “premium” retailer bags this year.
In terms of waste management practices, SIA partnered with GES and Mandalay Bay Services to implement an extensive recycling and waste reduction program. 18,800 yards of recycled carpet adorned all the aisles on the Show Floor. And for the first time, SIA also partnered with Greener Vegas to recycle 35,640 pounds of paper after this year’s Show. The impact: this process saved 303 trees, 123 barrels of oil, 124,740 gallons of water and 71,280 Kilowatts of Energy. Additionally collateral materials from the over 30 seminars conducted onsite were provided on CDs with no paper distributed.
In an effort to practice what we preach, Alison Gannett, President of Save Our Snow Foundation and a global cooling consultant, presented a seminar on how to “green” your snow sports business. Best practices were discussed for Show attendees on how everyone can make an impact.
For a second year in a row, SIA purchased renewable energy certificates from Renewable Choice Energy of Boulder, Colo., in the amount of 225,000kWH for 100% of the electric power used during the SIA.08 SnowSports Trade Show. This purchase prevented 313,200 pounds of carbon dioxide from being released into the atmosphere.
However, the “green” efforts don’t stop there as SIA is actively working on other initiatives beyond the annual SIA Show to make a difference year around for suppliers, retailers, reps and, more importantly, our industry. By the end of 2008, SIA will have an environmental charter with various actionable items for implementation. Further, SIA and NSAA will work together to Keep Winter Cool.
Hosted at Mandalay Bay Convention Center for the sixth straight year, the SIA.08 SnowSports Trade Show served as the ultimate “family” gathering for the snow sports industry. Opening on January 29, the SIA Show delivered the hottest trends, hippest events, cutting edge technology and style to over 17,350 attendees from the snow sports community. Over the four days, the 37th annual SIA Show hosted manufacturers, retailers, reps, resorts, industry associates, alumni, elite athletes, media personalities and more. To learn more about the SIA.08 SnowSports Trade Show, visit the Show Media Center at www.snowsports.org.
