It’s a hard thing to start a blog post with, but it’s become undeniable: climate change is real and we need to change our ways when it comes to plastics. The state of the environment for future generations is not looking rosy right now.
We think there’s a lot that can be done, both as individuals and as a #WordPress community. Together we can do great things to lessen our impact! As WordCamp Bristol 2019 organisers we’re trying to do the best we can, even though we realise that’s not perfection, it is a step in the right direction.
Here’s what we’ve been doing and towards the end of the article a summary of how you can help.
What we’ve been doing
We’ve chosen venues with good environmental credentials
Our main conference space, the School of Chemistry at the University of Bristol has a strong environmental and ethical policy, which was a key factor in our decision to hold WCBRS here. They have also recently become the first UK university to declare a climate emergency.
The Watershed Bristol, the venue for our Saturday night social, is also known for its environmental credentials locally. Their cafe aims to source all of its food from the local area of the South West.
We’ve chosen venues as close together as possible
To minimise the amount of travel around Bristol we’ve chosen our venues to be as close to one another as possible. You can walk between them all comfortably through nice surroundings.
We’ve scheduled two talks on sustainability
The WholeGrain Digital team will be sharing their ‘Study in Green‘.
Joss Ford will be talking about ‘Why is now the right time to put purpose over profit… spoiler alert – purpose equals profit!‘.
Joss has also arranged for his company, Enviral, to plant a tree for every attendee who bought a ticket. That’s whopping 142 new trees. Great or what!
We’ve paid careful attention to swag
We think a successful WordCamp is defined by the people and connections you make, not the stuff and things you take home with you.
So we’ve reduced our swag budget to zero. The only swag we’re giving out has been gifted to us – stickers from in-kind sponsor Sticker Mule and leftover reusable cups from WordCamp London. We’ve also asked every sponsor to consider what they bring and wherever possible focus on giving attendees good experiences rather than plastic trinkets that end up in landfill.
We’ve gone vegetarian and vegan
Reducing our consumption of meat is a powerful way we as individuals can make a difference. We think if it’s good enough for Mike Tyson, Venus Williams and Martina Navratilova we’ll be ok.
All the food we are offering will be delicious, responsibly sourced and vegetarian/vegan. We’ve got to be honest, this also helps us reduce food waste as cutting out the meat means more of the food can be eaten by more of you.
We got labels rather than stickers
When StickerMule approached us about offering free stickers for our event, we asked about the manufacturing process and impacts. They sent us this article explaning the different manufacturing process.
We opted for having stickers on a roll which are a better option. Sure this means one of our volunteers will get the glorious job of cutting them up but we thought that was a good sacrifice to make.
We’re working with other WordCamps to share ideas and resources
Throughout the organisation of WCBRS we have maintaned close contact with WordCamp London 2019 to share ideas, and resources where possible. You can check out their blog post on their sustainability considerations.
We’ll also be sending on any reusable items, such as lanyards and leftover reusable mugs to WordCamp Brighton.
What can you do to help?
Buy your ticket early
Help us place an accurate food order by buying your ticket early.
Lift share
Driving to #WCBRS? Make a shout out on twitter (use the hashtag #WCBRS) and find other fabulous WordCampers going your way.
Cycle to the venue
Bristol is a cycling city – visitors are often surprised by the number of people whizzing past on bikes. Our main conference venue at the School of Chemistry has cycle racks literally outside the door. If you don’t have your own bike but are keen to cycle you could make use of Bristol’s YoBike cycle hire scheme.
Reuse your lanyards
For many, attending WordCamps becomes somewhat of an addiction because, well, they’re awesome fun! I don’t know about you, but when I look at the back of my drawers I’ve found lots of lanyards from previous events.
We’re asking attendees to bring their own lanyard and any other spares they have at home to be reused.
There will be a special box at reception where you can deposit any spares for others to use. You can also also leave your lanyards behind at the end so we can send them on to other events. For example to WordCamp Brighton happening in August.
Don’t worry if you don’t have your own, we have a supply to give out to anyone that needs one.
Be selective about the swag you take
We’ll be offering reusable cups and water bottles, even though the main conference venue uses china plates etc. You’re welcome to take them home as a souvenir. But please, if you already have reusable cups home leave them behind. Even a used one, we can always wash them up and send them on. Again anything left over will sent on to another WordCamp.
Further ideas?
If you’ve got any other ideas give us a shout. There’s lots of ways to contact us and we’re always keen to have other people get involved.
