SUSTAINABLE HOSPITALITY

SHFM CONFERENCE INITIATIVES

SHFM is committed to creating a conference that promotes sustainable practices in our industry and empowers individuals to make a positive impact. Create a more sustainable future for the industry and yourself.

Be the Change! Help us produce a more sustainable conference by supporting practices related to:

Printed Material – Utilize the app as much as possible. SHFM minimizes printed material and sources recyclable printed substrates, where needed. The conference agenda, information and communications are found on the conference APP, which will be available for downloading soon.
Badge Holders – Recycle your badge holders at the end of conference by returning them to the registration desk (better yet, keep yours to reuse in 2024!). We are also using eco-friendly badges holders.
Single Use Products – Bring your own refillable, individual water containers. SHFM will be reducing plastic in as many ways possible – minimizing single use beverage containers, straws, cups, etc.
Ride Sharing – Communicate with each other to share rides from the airport to the conference hotel and back.
Key Cards – Selecting a high-performing paper card alternative that is a more sustainable option than traditional PVC and 99% biodegradable.
Personal Wellness – Don’t forget to sustain yourself! See the many opportunities to enhance your well-being through special activities and services at the conference property. SHFM has designated the final day of conference as Well-being Wednesday so be sure to celebrate it with your on-site experience of choice.

In Addition:

Innovation Showcase – Leftover products are donated to a local charity. SHFM encourages limitation of plastics.
Local Sources – We will strive to use local sources whenever possible while also considering the quality, availability, and cost to make the most informed decisions.
And more!

HOTEL INITIATIVES

SHFM’s hotel partner, JW Marriott Starr Pass, is committed to reducing their environmental impacts, practicing responsible hospitality management and integrating sustainability throughout the property.

Below is a list of what they’ve achieved so far:

Menu Architecture – The hotel organizes their buffets with proteins at the end. When possible, they will utilize half-pans for buffet service to assist in minimizing waste.
Kitchen Food Prep Waste – Marriott properties are engaged in a new proprietary program of determining food waste in their banquet kitchens.
Prepared Leftover Food – The hotel participates in Chefs to End Hunger food recovery program: providing meals to the hungry by redistributing the excess prepared food that would normally go to waste.
Guestrooms Linen Program – The resort implements a linen reuse program within housekeeping. Bed linens are changed (washed) every 3 days unless otherwise requested by guests thus reducing water use.
Recycling – In conference space, recycling bins are now placed in strategic locations to allow guests to recycle newspapers and fine paper used during meetings.
Composting - The hotel participates in University of Arizona projects related to composting.
Land Preservation – The resort opened in 2005 donating 150 acres of pristine Sonoran desert to the Tucson Mountain Park and by 2008, the resort has now increased that amount to 330 acres to be forever preserved.
Golf Course sustainability practices and more!

TUCSON’S GRAY WATER PROGRAM

Gray water is wastewater flowing from the drains of hand-washing sinks, showers, bathtubs, and clothes washing machines that is repurposed for outdoor irrigation. This reduces the need for fresh water and the demands on the public water supply.

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