Our Commitment to Producing a Green Show

At Blue Ocean Events it is important to us that we survey our own actions as we take each step to put this unique sustainable lifestyle event together. It is not just about managing resources; its about managing us.  We strive, in all cases, to be true to the principles of sustainability. However, as all business owners know, it's not always black and white, even while attempting to make the best decision for people, planet and production.

We are not perfect, but we try every day to examine our intentions and honor the mission of this show. For instance, we do not carpet the aisles at the Better Living Home Garden & Lifestyle Show because of the environmental problems with carpet. And yes we could use a "green" carpet but that still takes energy and resources to manufacture, transport, clean and store.

We've chosen all local suppliers and asked the major partners that we work with to tell us how they are moving towards sustainability (it's a process for everyone!). And we ask ourselves that very question. Here are some of the answers:

Hollywood Lighting

Hollywood Lights has performed substantial research in recent years to identify and offer the most technologically advanced alternatives which consumes less power than the traditional lighting products. We are featuring one of their newest products at the show...a mammoth QubeWall with LED lights will be one of our stage backdrops and is amazingly powered thru just a normal outlet. Additionally, through their Green ESP (environmental stewardship project) they are perpetually investigating and altering as many of their internal operating procedures as possible in order to reduce and minimize their impact on natural resources, landfills, and the environment.

DWA Trade Show & Exposition Services

DWA Trade Show & Exposition Services is one of the first BlueWorks certified convention decorating businesses in Portland, Oregon.  This certification, given out by the City of Portland’s Bureau of Planning and Sustainability, signifies their commitment to reducing waste. DWA so produces a wide range of earth safe event signage.

Recycling

Working alongside the City of Portland Bureau of Planning and Sustainability, we will ensure that the waste materials produced by our vendors and exhibitors at the show will be fully recycled. In addition, there will be ample recycling containers available to festival attendees.

We are also striving to compost as much food/paper waste as possible out of our concession stands.  For information on how to compost at your convention, Click here.

Interested in greening your event? Click here

Portland Expo Center

The Portland Expo Center has participated in an extensive composting program for the past two years. In addition, they use BioTuf compostable garbage bags and their food vendor, Aramark, offers compostable plates, drinking straws and cold cups. The cutlery is biodegradable as well. Aramark severs organic coffee and Oregon Country Natural Beef. They use zero trans fat oil and recycle it after cooking. As one might expect, the Portland Expo Center recycles cardboard, glass, plastic, aluminum and paper. To complete the cycle, they seek out green office materials (35% post consumer recycled fibers) to use in their business operations.

Portland Expo Center's Green Efforts

This event is powered by PGE renewable energy. Green tags are purchased to cover the power consumption on site during the 3-day show. Visit www.GreenPowerOregon.com to learn more.

Aramark

To assure that the food experienced at this show is consistent with the message, Aramark is bringing in local, organic and farm fresh ingredients. Everything's green down to the serving bowls.

Supporting the Environment

We believe in helping the non-profits that are leading the charge to save the environment. To do our part we have committed to donating 15% of our booth space to help conservation groups spread their message.