Sustainability Efforts
In accordance with ISTAT's ongoing sustainability initiative, we've been working hard to make ISTAT Americas a little greener this year! See more about our specific practices that will take place throughout the conference below.
Signage
Recyclable Signage: ISTAT has made major improvements in our conference signage by updating the materials used and reducing the quantity of signs printed. This year at ISTAT Americas, the majority of our signage is recyclable and made from recycled materials!
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
Hydration Hangar: ISTAT has procured a water refill station and encourages attendees to individually take part in more sustainable practices by bringing their reusable water bottles to the conference.
Food Waste: ISTAT is making local, eco-friendly food choices and partnering with local organizations for food donation to reduce our food waste. Through the Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego, we will be donating leftover food via the Chefs to End Hunger.
Go Green Initiative: In an effort to preserve energy and reduce water consumption, the hotel has implemented a “Go Green Initiative,” which has moved them to a mostly linenless table model.
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 Mariposa Ice Cream, a family-run business operating in the San Diego area, serving up home-made, hand-crank style ice cream. Stop by for a treat and ask them about their small businesses!
- This year’s Jet Fuel Café, sponsored by Aviation Capital Group, is in partnership with Goodhart Coffee Catering San Diego.