2009 Convention Goes Green
Phi Theta Kappa's 2009 Convention
is going green - the Convention hotel is a "green" facility and Convention
attendees may also play an active role in protecting and preserving the
environment.
The Convention is scheduled for April 16-18 at
the Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center in Grapevine, Texas. Register
for the Convention online and make your hotel
reservations online.
The Gaylord is an "Eco-Logical"
property, promoting conservation, recycling and environmental responsibility
with the following practices:
* Transitioning at least 75 percent
of all hotel lighting to environmentally friendly products, and properly
recycling old bulbs
* Recycling all cardboard, newspaper, slick
paper and white paper from back-of-house areas and the convention center
exhibit hall
* Recycling batteries and providing the service to hotel
employees
* Replacing building materials through vendors who use
recycled materials and manufacture on a green basis
* Encouraging
guests to conserve energy and water
* Using water-saving irrigation
for the 4-1/2 acre indoor garden
* Conserving energy by providing
heating or cooling to meeting rooms only just prior to and during use
The
Gaylord Texan has received the Sylvania Ecologic Certification Award
and a Membership Award in the Environmental Protection Agency's National
Partnership for Environmental Priorities, in recognition of their commitment
to the environment. Read
more about the Gaylord Texan's environmental commitment and
download the Gaylord chain's green fast facts.
The Gaylord
has registered with the U.S. Green Building Council to achieve LEED certification
(Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design).
As part of
Phi Theta Kappa's ongoing commitment to sustainability, for the 2009 International
Convention, the Society is:
* Providing online Convention registration
and hotel reservations to save paper
* Requesting recycling services
from the Gaylord for attendees to recycle glass, plastic and aluminum waste
*
Printing Convention programs on paper from sustainable forests, approved
by the Forest Stewardship Council
* Sponsoring an interactive Honors
in Action event that includes environmental cleanup and litter control
*
Sponsoring an Honors in Action service project to donate flower, herb and
vegetable seeds to Keep Grapevine Beautiful
Conservation
tips for Convention attendees:
* Purchase reusable travel size containers
for toiletries
* Carpool to the airport
* Use airport shuttles
rather than taxis
* Have your towels/bed linens refreshed on the third
day
* Turn off televisions, lights and heat/air conditioning when
you leave your hotel room
*Unplug cell phone chargers and laptops
when not in use
