How to Make Your Next Meeting or Conference More Eco-Friendly

Hilton Head Island holds a special title — America’s first eco-planned community — and it lives up to the name. Back in 1957, developer Charles Fraser envisioned this coastal haven as a sanctuary for wildlife first and a destination for visitors second. That vision shaped everything: resorts were built well back from the shoreline, building heights were kept low to preserve the tree canopy, and lighting was carefully designed to avoid disorienting wildlife. His forward-thinking plan sparked a legacy of environmental stewardship that still defines the island today

Ecological stewardship remains a priority in the area through various programs and incentives. For example, beachfront hotels and resorts turn off their lights after 10:00 p.m. to protect Loggerhead sea turtles during nesting season. Community members and visitors also participate in recycling and reduction programs like The Outside Foundation’s oyster recycling initiative and Sea Turtle Patrol’s Fill it Forward program.

Right now, beach renourishment projects are underway on five beloved Hilton Head Island shores — South Beach, Central Island, The Heel, Fish Haul Creek, and Pine Island. These efforts are part of a long-term commitment to maintaining the strength and vibrancy of our coastlines. So far, more than 10.7 million cubic yards of sand have been placed added widen and restore the beaches. That extra shoreline does more than look pretty: it protects nesting grounds for endangered sea turtles and seabirds, buffers oceanfront homes during storms, and gives visitors even more space to catch our famous sunrises.

Through these efforts and more, Hilton Head Island remains home to sugary white-sand beaches, over 60 miles of leisure pathways and scenic trails shaded under moss-draped oaks, and thousands of acres of protected wilderness, making it the natural choice for an eco-friendly meeting place.
 

One of the easiest ways to go green is to work with your venue. Many Hilton Head Island hotels and resorts already have great sustainability programs in place, so don’t hesitate to reach out and arrange this ahead of time. Our venues are always happy to inform you about the ways they can help you meet your sustainability goals.

Keep in mind some simple sustainable practices when setting up your space, such as turning lights and air conditioning off when rooms are not in use, having proper signage near receptacles for recycling, garbage, and compost, and providing sufficient receptacles for the size of the gathering.

For larger gatherings, The Sea Pines Resort is a standout choice, with sustainability integrated into every aspect of your experience. This 5,000-acre oceanfront retreat is home to golf courses, various neighborhoods featuring dining and entertainment options, and stunning beaches. Some of their extensive sustainability commitments include a focus on fresh, local seafood and supporting local businesses, beach cleanups held throughout the year, partnerships with Sea Turtle Patrol Hilton Head Island to track and protect nests and hatchlings, a dedicated recycling center, oyster shell recycling from all on-site restaurants, and continued efforts to maintain their Clean Marinas Program Certification ensuring responsible and sustainable practices in the Harbour Town Yacht Basin. Learn more about The Sea Pines Resort’s green initiatives and event spaces to see if they are a match for your meeting or conference.

One of the simplest and most cost-effective ways to introduce sustainability into your meeting or conference is to reduce the use of single-use materials before, during, and after your green event. Here are some easy ways to swap plastic and disposable materials for greener options:

• Use electronic meeting invites instead of mailing paper invitations to go green before the meeting even begins!
• Swap out disposable signage and name tags for options that can be collected from guests and  reused again and again for future events.
• Provide drinking glasses and refillable pitchers in place of plastic water bottles.
• Encourage guests to bring their own water bottles and scan the Fill it Forward code when refilling them. This reduces plastic waste while also supporting Sea Turtle Patrol and the incredible work they do to protect and monitor the nesting Loggerheads on our beaches.
• Serve food and snacks in larger trays rather than numerous single-portion containers to keep your plastic usage to a minimum.
• Opt for china and linens over plastic, single-use plates and cutlery.
• When single-use items are necessary in some cases, consider using biodegradable plates, napkins, cups, etc. and dispose of them in the compost rather than the garbage.

Thoughtful choices at every stage of planning can have a significant impact on the planet (and your wallet!). Not only are these efforts better for the planet, they often save money too — since many items can be rented or reused for future events. Get your guests involved ahead of time by letting them know this will be a green meeting or conference, and ask for feedback afterwards to continuously improve the flow and success of your eco-friendly events.

Go beyond the actual meeting, event, or conference by participating in a corporate responsibility project or embarking on a team-building activity outside the meeting room. By joining the community as part of a hands-on work project, you can contribute to a safer and more sustainable world.

Organize a beach cleanup on our white-sand shores, volunteer with The Outside Foundation at an oyster reef restoration build, or join another community project through a local charitable agency. By highlighting the importance of sustainability in the workplace and extending the learning of your meeting or conference to include eco-friendly initiatives, you’ll be contributing to the preservation of our beautiful natural world.

An eco-friendly or sustainability-focused team-building activity is another great way to enhance the purpose and meaning of your green meeting or event. Reach out to one of our partners to plan an activity that deepens your participants’ connection with the natural beauty of the Island while also strengthening the connection between team members. For example, you could plan a group kayaking trip with Kayak Hilton Head or the Coastal Discovery Museum or arrange a private talk with sea turtle expert Amber Keuhn.

Choose an activity that aligns with the values of your company or organization and think of ways to link the activity back to the work you do or ways in which you could incorporate some of these lessons into your team dynamic. Nature can be an incredible force for personal and professional growth, so don’t be shy to plan outside the meeting room!
 

Now that you know how to host responsibly on Hilton Head Island, start planning your next green event today! Explore our event venues, connect with local partners, and discover just how easy sustainable meeting planning can be on America’s Favorite Island®.