For generations, San Jose has answered the call to change the world. Their innovations have helped move the world from the industrial age to the information age. Today, at the beginning of the 21st Century, San Jose is stepping forward to help solve the climate and energy crises and protect our environment.  San Jose City Council adopted the Green Vision, a fifteen-year plan to transform San Jose into a world center of Clean Technology innovation, promote cutting-edge sustainable practices, and demonstrate that the goals of economic growth, environmental stewardship and fiscal responsibility are inextricably linked. 

We hope you will join the rest of the service-learning community as we strive to make the conference Green Vision a reality and help San Jose moved towards its goal of a  sustainable community for generations to come.

Carbon Offsets

You can help support renewable energy and reforestation projects addressing the carbon produced from traveling to the conference.  Purchasing carbon offsets is a simple way for individuals and organizations to take action on global warming.  See the websites below to purchase carbon offsets.

NativeEnergy
http://www.nativeenergy.com/pages/travel_calculator/465.php
   
Sustainable Travel International
https://sustainabletravelinternational.org/documents/op_carboncalcs.html

San Jose Convention Center

  • Excess food is donated to local food banks and shelters like the Sobrato House Shelter and the Second Harvest Food Bank of Santa Clara.
  • Biodegradable serving ware is used at all meal functions.
  • Electric service carts are used around the Convention Center and Cultural Facilities.

Conference Hotels

San Jose Marriott

  • Restaurant purchases most of the fruits and vegetables from local growers. 
  • Ecotrainer hot cups, which are a corn-based plastic, are used in the cafeteria instead of Styrofoam.

Hilton San Jose

  • Non-phosphate chemicals are used in laundry and housekeeping.
  • Sensory lights are used that turn off after a certain amount of time as well as energy saving printers, fax and copy machines.

Fairmont San Jose

  • Currently approximately 87% of the hotel uses compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFL), replacing traditional incandescent bulbs.
  • Complimentary valet parking for all Hybrid vehicles. 

Additional NSLC Green Efforts

  • Post-conference recycling and/or reusing of conference name badges, lanyards, and water bottles.
  • Water bottles provided for each conference attendee:  pick yours up in the exhibit hall.
  • Program guide printer, John Roberts, is committed to managing all of its operations in an environmentally sound manner and this year’s program guide is printed on recycled paper.
  • Presenters and attendees are asked to use the Presenter Portal – an online space for presentations and handouts.  Print only what you want and need.
  • Online Call for Presenters.  No more paper forms.  Submit your 2011 workshop proposal online from April – September, 2010.  Visit www.nylc.org for more information.