Attend CANVAS

• Everyone is invited
• Anyone can submit a scientific abstract, including both in-person and/or virtual presentations, and most are accepted!
• The Societies aim to be inclusive and allow everyone to gain professional recognition and presentation experience, all while expanding your CV/vita, sharing information for all to succeed, and fostering collaborations with your peers.
• The Annual Meeting ACS732 Program Planning Committee DEI/LGBTQ+ Representative provides member representation regarding diversity, equity, and inclusion, including topics needing to be covered at the Annual Meeting.
• We work with our host city, venue, and contractor partners on collaborative DEI efforts.
• We design CANVAS with DEI in mind: all-gender restrooms, a lactation area, accessible rooms, pronoun ribbons, inclusive language, diversity in programming and in presenters, etc.
• We collect accommodation needs (such as audio, mobility, visual, and other) at the point of registration and work one-on-one to accommodate.

Waste

• We offer and promote a conference app instead of paper programs.
• We order recycle bins in areas that recycle.
• We ask presenters to utilize electronic distribution.
• We use electronic methods for our marketing and on-site communications.
• We recycle and/or reuse event supplies whenever possible.
• We offer an online/virtual meeting.
• We encourage online registration.
• We minimize the use of and re-use or recycle floral decorations and plants and request they be local.
• We use or rent the venue's centerpieces rather than purchase new ones that go to landfill afterwards.
• We connect exhibitors with donation opportunities to redirect landfill items.
• We ask staff and exhibitors to reduce single-use giveaways and choose reusable giveaways, made from durable or recycled materials, or consumable.
• We are working towards reusable banners and signage.
• We do not carpet most of the exhibit hall.
• We use crates to package our freight when shipping, rather than individual packing/bubble wrap.

Purchasing

• We do not distribute attendee bags or swag at registration.
• We ask staff to purchase eco-friendly event supplies and order from B Corp Certified businesses.
• We distribute awards in electronic format instead of using plaques.
• We use recycled materials for our lanyards and our name badges are biodegradable.

Food & dining

• We order compost bins in areas that compost.
• We use reusable plates and utensils at special and ticketed event meals; we use zero Styrofoam.
• We select buffet-style menus when possible to reduce waste from plated food.
• Leftover food is asked to be donated if possible by law; typically our ordering is close to no waste.
• We select some of the same menu options across meals to keep over-ordering to a minimum.
• We ask for and order local and organic when possible.
• We have meatless options at every food event.
• When possible we use water pitchers and water fountains to help preserve water and eliminate bottle waste.
• If table quality allows, we ask for no tablecloths to reduce waste from laundry including soaps and bleach. We do not use plastic tablecloths.

Partners & Community

• We select conference hotels that are near where the conference is and invest in the communities hosting us via donations of time and money to local food banks.
• We work with partners who share our commitment to sustainability.
  • View GES's impact report.
• Via electronic communication and social media, we ask attendees to contribute (see below.)

How you can help

• Taking advantage of public transportation options, especially to/from the airport where offered.
• Carpool to the meeting if possible.
• Bringing and using your own water bottle and refill from permanent water stations.
• Choosing plant-based foods (even just one day of the conference) supports the creation of ecologically sound food systems.
• Don't take foods or beverages you won't eat or drink.
• Utilize electronic distribution; if you must print, print double-sided on 100% post-consumer recycled, agricultural residue, and/or FSC-certified content paper.
• Placing any materials you wish to discard in the appropriate collection receptacle.
• Taking advantage of your hotel’s green housekeeping program. If they do not have one, request that they begin providing one.
• Turn off all lights and the air-conditioning warmer in your hotel room before leaving each day.

Outside of the CANVAS meeting, please send a message to Susan Chapman, Director of Special Projects, with any questions or concerns so they may be addressed.