The workshop slogan, "Sustaining the Circle," refers not only to the role of interpretation in promoting a positive conservation ethic, but alludes to Enos Mills' charge to "increase the tribe" by widening the circle of interpreters.

Image: Columbia River Gorge, courtesy Oregon Parks and Recreation Department

The average conference delegate in the U.S. produces 61 pounds of solid waste, uses 846 gallons of water, and produces 1419 pounds of green house gas emissions getting to and from and spending time at the conference.

During the 2007 NAI National Workshop in Kansas, the NAI board of directors adopted a new core value: We believe in responsible business management that supports healthy environmental practices to the greatest extent possible in all aspects of NAI operations. In planning this year's event, the workshop planning committee and the national office have been busy putting this core value into practice and reducing the amount of waste the meeting creates.

Look for these green strategies—and more:

• Paperless communications (on-line presentation proposals, on-line registration instead of printed packets, CDs instead of printed Sourcebooks)
• Sustainability tips for participants, presenters, and exhibitors
• Contracting with a caterer that donates leftover food to food banks
• In-season and local food
• Recycling bins
• Water/energy conservation (hotel towel/linen re-use programs)
• Annual service project that leaves a positive environmental legacy to a local environmental program

Cost is important to NAI members and green meetings come with a price (some facilities charge $2.50 per person for non-disposable tableware). We have to make workshop decisions based on the higher cost of green services versus the cost of what members have told us is affordable. We hope that more consumer demand for green meetings practices will soon make them the norm in the conventions industry. In the meantime, we will continue to do what we can toward making our National Workshop greener. Your suggestions are welcome; send ideas to Deb Tewell at 888-900-8283 or click here to email Deb.

Come to Portland, Plant a Tree
Keep it green with NAI, the American Park Network, and the National Forest Foundation! On behalf of NAI, the American Park Network will make a donation in order to plant one tree for every participant at this year's workshop. You, too, can contribute to further offset your presence at the conference. By making a $10 donation, conference attendees will allow us to plant additional trees and enhance our sustainability efforts. All those who contribute at the conference will receive a commemorative Nalgene bottle in recognition of their support (while supplies last)! The reusable bottle will send a positive message to other participants. Refilling water coolers will be present throughout the conference for your convenience. Visit the NAI store on the exhibit hall floor to donate, commemorate, and keep it green!