A simple definition of "Going green" is to pursue knowledge and practices that can lead to more environmentally friendly and ecologically responsible decisions and lifestyles, which can help protect the environment and sustain its natural resources for current and future generations.  http://www.thrall.org/special/goinggreen.html.     

Going Green has become part our lexicon and our consciousness.  Caring people in our society have discovered that in order to insure that our planet is viable for our descendants; we need to change our lifestyles now.   The term has caught on so well that virtually every business and personal websites are discussing ways to save energy and natural resources on their products and services.

So how can Reunions be Green? Here are some simple techniques:

• Reduce or eliminate mailings.  Send email announcements instead

• Create a reunion website with all your reunion information listed, including all logistical information, missing persons list, map and parking info, pictures, ticket purchasing instructions and any other fun newsy items about the reunion.

• Encourage car pooling to the event

• Book blocks of rooms (be sure to get group discounts) at the event location if it's a hotel or at one nearby.  To reduce driving back and forth to the event, encourage attendees to stay overnight and plan the following day's function close by to save on travel costs

• Have custom-designed wine bottles as table centerpieces since empty wine bottles can be recycled.

• Make your reunion sign / poster for the reunion by using SMARTsigns from Madison Avenue.  They use interchangeable magnetic headers with your school logo, famly crest or military emblem.  These signs can be created on your own printer, then pull the lens back and put in any new sign.  www.meetingsigns.com or email them at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

• Order reusuable items as souvenirs or door prizes as custom-designed recycled pens, reusable name badges or non-woven totes.
  

• Create a vinyl banner that can be used for every reunion, e.g. "Welcome Alumni of No. Hills High School Reunion, Class of 1977"

• Use recycled paper for name tags, printed programs, banners, memory album and other decorations

• Ask guests to donate services for door prizes.

• Save on printed tickets by using name tags as proof of payment and hand out to your guests as they check in

• Post reunion pictures on Facebook or reunion website after reunion.  Then guests can download and print the pictures they want.