Seattle Meeting Plan Guide Fall/Winter 2008-2009 - (Page 11) ◆ The City of Seattle Green Building Program works with city government projects to “greenify” them; the program also supports private developers by assisting and providing incentives for green building projects. ◆ Through a network of partnerships and purchases of emission offsets, Seattle City Light became the nation’s first major zerosum emissions utility. They continue to push forward with progressive environmental initiatives and offer options for consumers with their Green Up and Green Power programs. ◆ Business and household recycling has been mandatory in the city of Seattle since 2005. Recyclable plastics, paper, cardboard and glass must be separated from regular garbage and left curbside for collection. VOLUNTOURISM Make a Difference with Your Meeting A growing trend in the meeting professional industry, voluntourism is a win-win for businesses and communities. Foster team building in your organization, garner media coverage and give back to your meeting’s host city by arranging for your group to participate in community service, environmental or other charitable projects. INDUSTRY ADVANCEMENTS ◆ The Seattle Green Map Project connects consumers to sustainable resources by charting green businesses, alternative transportation options, cultural centers, recreation and more on interactive maps. Go to www.seattlegreenmap.net. ◆ Hotels such as the Hyatt at Olive 8, Fairmont Olympic Hotel, Arctic Club Hotel Seattle, Alexis Hotel, Hotel Monaco, Hotel Vintage Park, The Best Western Executive Inn and Heathman Hotel are just a few in the Seattle area that are going above and beyond to reduce their impact on the environment. ◆ Seattle’s renowned coffee industry is becoming more environmentally and socially responsible all the time. Tully’s Coffee, for example, is using a fully renewable and compostable paper cup for its hot beverages and serves espresso made exclusively from 100 percent Fair Trade Certified™ beans. ABOVE: Washington Trail Association volunteers at Hart Lake. ©Arlo Smig The Seattle area offers some unique experiences for voluntourists: • Seattle Works connects volunteers to service projects in Seattle. They can manage community service events varying in degrees of complexity for groups of five to 350-plus. www.seattleworks.org • Washington Trails Association leads “Volunteer Vacations” that involve backcountry trail work. www.wta.org • EverGreen Escapes will put together a halfor full-day volunteering experience on local trails or waterways. www.evergreenescapes.com • The City of Seattle and King County volunteer programs also offer numerous opportunities to give back to the community. www.seattle.gov/html/citizen/volunteer.htm To inquire about voluntourism opportunities for your organization, contact the SCVB at ConventionServices@visitseattle.org. ABOVE: The Fairmont Olympic Hotel’s lush entryway is fitting for a hotel that has made such significant environmental strides. Courtesy of Fairmont Olympic Hotel WELCOME TO SEATTLE 11
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