How can I improve my recycling efforts at a show and after it ends?

Exhibit setup and teardown often comes with a deluge of waste that can be disheartening for environmentally conscious exhibitors. Granted, the U.S. exhibit industry needs a massive overhaul to address sustainability. But even without this evolution, you can mitigate your impact by recycling some of your elements post show or using reuseable elements straight out of the gate.

➤ Recycle cardboard. Cardboard is ubiquitous during setup. Often, boxes and packaging for disposable or one-time-use items are collected from the aisles following setup and dumped into garbage bins with everything else. The answer here is to either make time to separate your recyclables during setup and take them to the proper bins, or slip these materials inside your crates to be recycled at show's end.

➤ Ditch inexpensive crates. Many exhibitors use inexpensive shipping crates that must be replaced after only a few uses. The alternative is a Class A crate. Designed to withstand the rigors of shipping and handling, they will easily last your exhibit's lifetime. These crates cost about $1,500 each. But this is a one-time investment for your exhibit and an ongoing investment in Mother Nature.

➤ Repurpose carpet. From production to disposal, carpet is one of the least eco-friendly exhibit components. But if you can't avoid it, at least use vendors that recycle or repurpose it following its last show. Also look for carpet that's made from post-consumer materials so you know it's been through at least one round of recycling prior to your use.

➤ Rent (don't purchase) plants. Many exhibitors choose to buy greenery for their booths that they pitch post show. Instead, rent your greenery from suppliers who collect the plants at the end of the show and then reuse them at future events.

While the trade show industry still has a long way to go in terms of sustainability, these simple recycling efforts can make a big impact.