Reunions '24 Recommendations
Sustainability Recommendations for Major Reunions Classes
The Greening Reunions Alumni Working Group (GRAWG) chartered by Princeton in 2020
The Greening Reunions Alumni Working Group (GRAWG) chartered by Princeton in 2020
Like many festivals, Reunions has a large environmental footprint.
Here are ten steps your class can take to work toward a zero-waste, carbon-neutral event.
1) Purchase carbon offsets to make your class’ Reunions travel carbon-neutral:
GRAWG recommends these high-quality, quantifiable, verifiable carbon offsets supporting solar energy from the non-profit Gold Standard. GRAWG estimates that offsetting 100% of the carbon emissions from Reunions travel would cost ~$6 per attendee. Major reunions can go carbon-neutral by pledging a lump sum in the amount of $6 per attendee (classmates and guests). Classes may also opt to offer voluntary individual contributions through ReunionsIQ, with a suggested minimum contribution of $10. After Reunions, major classes can send their contributions to Gold Standard.
2) Eliminate single-use plastic cups at your HQ site:
Reusable cups are the clear environmental winner compared to single-use plastic cups—including bioplastic compostable cups. After the successful pilot at P98’s 25th reunion at Reunions 2023, major reunions may ask Princeton to have cups at their site provided by TURN, a leader in supplying reusable cups at large venues. GRAWG estimates the increased cup cost will be ~1-2% of a typical major class’ budget. Orange TURN cups are available in a range of sizes for all beverages (hot/cold) and will be collected in orange bins for washing after Reunions and reuse at other events. Classes may partner with Princeton’s Office of Sustainability to hire student EcoReps to support this effort. Approval from the Reunions team is necessary. Information sheet here.
3) Reduce greenhouse gas emissions from menu choices:
Major reunions may opt in for any or all of the following:
4) Reduce food waste sent to landfill:
TURN’s reusable orange cups in action at P98’s 25th reunion, PAW July 2023
Major reunions may partner with Princeton’s Office of Sustainability to hire student EcoReps to support on-campu of their HQ site’s food scraps, used paper plates and napkins. Approval from the Reunions team is necessary.
5) Reduce other meal-related waste sent to landfill:
Major reunions may ask Campus Dining whether they can borrow silverware and/or rent china, glassware, or linens for one or more meals.
6) Reduce environmental impact of apparel, swag and furniture:
o Labor/supply chain – Fair Trade USA, Fair Labor Association, Fashion Transparency Index
Swag
10) Consider signing GRAWG's open letter and sharing it with your classmates:
The petition urges Princeton to work with alumni to adopt a decisive Reunions Sustainability Action Plan so that voluntary best practices can be adopted across Reunions, year-to-year.
GRAWG recommends these high-quality, quantifiable, verifiable carbon offsets supporting solar energy from the non-profit Gold Standard. GRAWG estimates that offsetting 100% of the carbon emissions from Reunions travel would cost ~$6 per attendee. Major reunions can go carbon-neutral by pledging a lump sum in the amount of $6 per attendee (classmates and guests). Classes may also opt to offer voluntary individual contributions through ReunionsIQ, with a suggested minimum contribution of $10. After Reunions, major classes can send their contributions to Gold Standard.
2) Eliminate single-use plastic cups at your HQ site:
Reusable cups are the clear environmental winner compared to single-use plastic cups—including bioplastic compostable cups. After the successful pilot at P98’s 25th reunion at Reunions 2023, major reunions may ask Princeton to have cups at their site provided by TURN, a leader in supplying reusable cups at large venues. GRAWG estimates the increased cup cost will be ~1-2% of a typical major class’ budget. Orange TURN cups are available in a range of sizes for all beverages (hot/cold) and will be collected in orange bins for washing after Reunions and reuse at other events. Classes may partner with Princeton’s Office of Sustainability to hire student EcoReps to support this effort. Approval from the Reunions team is necessary. Information sheet here.
3) Reduce greenhouse gas emissions from menu choices:
Major reunions may opt in for any or all of the following:
- · Thursday Vegetarian Dinner
- · Friday or Saturday beef-free dinner
- · All menus beef-free
4) Reduce food waste sent to landfill:
TURN’s reusable orange cups in action at P98’s 25th reunion, PAW July 2023
Major reunions may partner with Princeton’s Office of Sustainability to hire student EcoReps to support on-campu of their HQ site’s food scraps, used paper plates and napkins. Approval from the Reunions team is necessary.
5) Reduce other meal-related waste sent to landfill:
Major reunions may ask Campus Dining whether they can borrow silverware and/or rent china, glassware, or linens for one or more meals.
6) Reduce environmental impact of apparel, swag and furniture:
- · Major reunions are encouraged to choose fewer, higher-quality, classic-design items that are responsibly made of sustainable natural materials. Reunions after the 25th can opt to revive the tradition of wearing their 25th jackets, adding one accessory.
- · Choose items made of 100% natural fibers (cotton, organic or recycled cotton, linen, silk, hemp). Avoid items made of synthetic fibers derived from virgin plastic (polyester, nylon, spandex, fleece, acrylics) which contribute to plastic and microplastic pollution.
- · Offer all costume/apparel pieces as optional. Reduce accessories, encouraging classmates to bring their own from home.
- · Choose brands that are made in the US or prioritize low-carbon shipping (ground or boat) vs. aviation
- · Choose brands that are rated “good” or better on Goodonyou.eco, such as Patagonia, which offers
- · Certifications to ask/look for:
o Labor/supply chain – Fair Trade USA, Fair Labor Association, Fashion Transparency Index
Swag
- · Eliminate disposable items, especially those made of plastic.
- · Offer all swag as opt-in only.
- · Instead of buying furniture, rent it (for example, see Party Rental Ltd and Cort Furniture Rental) or arrange to inherit from a previous major reunion. If inheriting, an off-site storage unit may be needed.
- 7) Help your classmates and guests reduce their carbon emissions from travel:
- 8) Ask Princeton for green infrastructure, e.g. electric (vs. gasoline-powered) golf carts, and whether your site can rent a water-bottle filling station.
- 9) Add a budget line item for sustainability:
10) Consider signing GRAWG's open letter and sharing it with your classmates:
The petition urges Princeton to work with alumni to adopt a decisive Reunions Sustainability Action Plan so that voluntary best practices can be adopted across Reunions, year-to-year.