by Chris Harmen

Today there are many eco-friendly options for trade show stands. Exhibitors across the U.S. and even the world are leaning toward making their trade show exhibits more ‘green’ out of a personal desire to do so. There are a variety of environmentally-conscious event giveaway options on the market, as well as other ways that exhibit staff can reduce their impact on the environment. Now, it’s easier than ever to hold trade events without feeling guilty about the materials used to produce them.

General Eco-Friendly Trade Booth Ideas

Broadly speaking, the best way to limit one’s impact on the environment is to reduce the amount of materials used and choose materials that are renewable and reusable. Staffers at trade show stands should keep these basic principles in mind. Reduce the amount of paper used. This can be done by printing on both sides of the sheet and by printing on recycled paper. Use LED lighting to illuminate the trade show exhibits. Consolidate your drayage to be shipped in as little shipments as possible, since shipping weight and costs make up the large majority of each exhibitor’s carbon footprint.

Green Giveaway Suggestions Consider unique giveaway ideas at trade show stands that have little impact on the environment. What about little plants or seedlings in a pot with your company’s name on it? Every time someone sees it in their garden or on their desk, they will think of your company. You also might offer t-shirts made out of bamboo, or organic cotton and even reusable bags with your name or logo on it. Instead of the plastic bags traditionally given out, these bags will be able to be used time and time again, and they will serve as constant visual reminders of your business. Promotional flash drives encourage less paper use and are a very handy gadget.

Your company also might consider giving out reusable plastic water bottles (also emblazoned with the company’s logo, of course). Encourage attendees to get out of the habit of using regular bottled water and wasting huge volumes of plastic. Portable reusable water bottles not only constantly remind the attendee at trade show stands of your company, but other people in their vicinity at work or play will see their water bottle with your logo on it as well.

More Green Ideas

There are other simple ways to reduce your impact on the environment at trade show exhibits. Pack drayage in as little material as possible while still ensuring the products arrive safely and unbroken. Reuse the Styrofoam peanuts or bubble wrap to pack things up after the show, or offer it to other companies who could use it. Consider stacking empty product boxes to use as exhibit tables – why shell out for a different exhibit table? If your company offers a product that is reusable, try stacking a pile of disposable ones somewhere in your exhibit to demonstrate how much waste will be avoided by switching to the renewable alternative.

Staff at these events should follow these tips for running greener trade show exhibits that have less of an impact on the world around us.

About the Author

Chris Harmen writes for the specialists in New York trade show stands, Skyline. For the best in trade show exhibits, New York Skyline offers quality rentals, refurbishing, supplies, accessories, and more.