Sustainability and WordCamp Europe

Sustainability, on an economic level, has been defined [link] as the ability to maintain or support a process continuously over time. In terms of a massive, flagship event like WordCamp Europe it means to simply use our resources wisely, because resources are limited and we respect the people who are providing them. 

But we also live in an era where our natural resources are being depleted. In terms of the environment [link] it is the ability to preserve and protect the natural environment over time through appropriate practices and policies, meeting present needs without compromising the availability of resources in the future.

On a social level, sustainability is [link, link] meeting the needs of the present generation while supporting and without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

There are many great things one can think of to be sustainable, and we would absolutely love to address them all. If we missed anything this year, please do contact us with more ideas we can enforce. Here’s what we managed to do. 

Catering

• Preference to local products, resulting in less transfer needs, lower carbon footprint and, also promoting local economies. 
• Usage of wooden forks and knives, too reduce toxic waste and have more recyclable waste.
• Usage of paper cups instead of plastic cups and bottles, again less toxic waste and more recyclable waste.
• Usage of water coolers and to refill water instead of water bottles. 
• Only 14% of meals overall contained meat. Avoiding meat and dairy products is the single biggest way to reduce your environmental impact on the planet, according to scientists [link].
• Donated leftover food to charity (Oloi mazi boroume).
• Catering company enforces the ISO 14001 standard [link] for environmental management.

Swag

• T-shirts were made of a 100% carded organic cotton with enzyme treatment [link, link]. 
• T-shirts were printed in DTG (direct to garment) eco-friendly inks [link]. 
• Leftover tote bags will be re-distributed to local WordCamps.

Production company

• The production company we hired [link] to build the event in the venue recycles print materials which consist of pvc (stickers, banners, board). 
• All booths were modular, so the structure and walls are reusable, thus minimising waste. 
• For signage, maps and schedules we used digital alternatives like screens as much as possible to avoid creating additional waste. 

Summing it all up, sustainability is a true challenge field in which we are constantly trying to learn more and do better, each year trying to innovate but also focus on the most impactful practices that are readily available.