Sustainability Efforts

 

In accordance with ISTAT's ongoing sustainability initiative, we've been working hard to make ISTAT Americas a little greener this year! Look for this Eco Icon around the ISTAT Americas meeting space to find which areas of the conference have a sustainability focus. 

Conservation Efforts

ISTAT cares about the impact we make on the communities in which we host our events. This year at ISTAT Americas, in partnership with the Central Arizona Conservation Alliance (CAZCA), ISTAT is helping to give back to the local Phoenix area by supporting CAZCA’s important desert conservation work in the Maricopa county area and beyond. Click the button below to learn more about CAZCA's important conservation work and to make a donation. Make sure to enter ‘ISTAT’ in the text box provided on the donation page. Attendees are also invited to visit the Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix during their stay.

Signage

Badges and Lanyards

Plastic-free Badges: New paper badges will eliminate single-use plastics from our registration process. This update will save 1,250 feet of plastic (the height of the Empire State Building!). When the conference is over, attendees will be encouraged to recycle their badge and lanyard in designated recycling bins.

Recycled Lanyards: Conference lanyards at ISTAT Americas will be made from recycled materials, and are also recycleable! Any extra lanyards at the end of the conference will be sent away for recycling. 

Giveaways and Promotional Items

Eco-Friendly Giveaways: Conference pens, conference lanyards, Jet Fuel Café mugs and more will all be made from sustainable and recycled materials.

Sustainable Meal Practices

ISTAT is making local, eco-friendly food choices and partnering with local organizations for food donation to reduce our food waste. Through the JW Marriott Desert Ridge, we will be donating leftover food via the Chefs to End Hunger.

Local food suppliers for JW Marriott include: 

• Crow's Dairy: a family-run, five-acre goat ranch and dairy located one hour southwest of the JW Marriott Desert Ridge. 
• Queen Creek Olive Mill: a family-owned farm dedicated to sustainable farming located less than an hour southeast. This farm uses water conserving irrigation methods, a solar electric system and no pesticides. 
• Wildflower Bread Company: Established for nearly 30 years, this company is located about 30 minutes southwest and produces artisan bread from wholesome grains, seeds, fresh herbs and dried fruit.
• Blue Sky Organic Farm: Certified 100% organic by the California Certified Organic Farmers, this family-run farm is located about 40 minutes southwest. Blue Sky verifies that their vegetables are produced, packaged, handled and stored in the safest manner possible to minimize risks of microbial food safety hazards. 
• Arizona Microgreens: Located 30 minutes south, this company produces microgreens with natural lights in organic soil in a food-safe certified greenhouse.

Specialty stations:

• This year’s Ice Cream Station, sponsored by Willis Lease Finance Corporation, is in partnership with Craft & Pedal Ice Cream, a family-run business operating in the Phoenix-Metro area, serving up small-batch ice cream. Stop by for a treat and ask them about their small businesses!
• This year’s Jet Fuel Café, sponsored by GE Aerospace, is in partnership with The Copper Gila Café, a multi-roaster coffee company sourcing their coffee and tea from local roasters in the Phoenix area.