2022 Bank of America Chicago Marathon Sustainability Guidebook

OVERVIEW

Introduction

Since 2010, the Bank of America

Chicago Marathon has been a leader in the development and execution of sustainable and socially responsible practices at mass participation events. Through the years, we have realized the importance of producing an event that positively impacts the individuals and communities that create the backdrop of the Chicago Marathon. What started off as small initiatives quickly grew into large programs that are now industry standards.

We invite you to use this document as a guide to support more sustainable and inclusive initiatives throughout your events and activations.

Together, we can make our neighborhoods, our communities and our world a better place for us to live, work and run.

LEADERS IN SUSTAINABLE & RESPONSIBLE SPORT

Since the inception of our sustainability program, the Bank of America Chicago Marathon has partnered with independent organizations and outside consultants to develop innovative initiatives that help grow the program and lead to a more sustainable and responsible event.

COUNCIL FOR RESPONSIBLE SPORT

The Council for Responsible Sport has been a strong partner of the Bank of America Chicago Marathon’s Sustainability Program for over 10 years. The council’s mission is to work with events, like the Chicago Marathon, that actively strive to make a difference in their communities and provide objective, independent verification of the socially and environmentally responsible work done at events.

In 2018, after achieving multiple certifications, the Council for Responsible Sport recognized the Chicago Marathon’s commitment and legacy within the sport and awarded the event Evergreen Inspire Status. Evergreen is the highest level of certification and given to events that achieve 90% or more of the total best practices promoted in the standards for responsible sport. In addition to acting as a model for responsibly produced sporting events, the Inspire recognition means the Bank of America Chicago Marathon also shares their story and mentors other events pursuing a similar vision and results.

UNITED NATIONS SPORTS FOR CLIMATE ACTION FRAMEWORK

In 2019, the Bank of America Chicago Marathon became an early signatory of the United Nations’ “Sports for Climate Action” initiative. The initiative provides leaders in sport a framework to collectively work towards achieving global climate change goals.

The Sports for Climate Action Initiative commits to adhere to a set of five principles to incorporate into strategies, policies and procedures, and mainstream the principles within the global sports landscape.

“The Bank of America Chicago Marathon has been at the forefront of the industry when it comes to environmental stewardship, social responsibility and community engagement. We are proud of the legacy we continue to build, and to be a part of a global movement that deepens our commitment to sustainability. We strongly believe that the power of sport can create positive changes beyond the finish line.”

CAREY PINKOWSKI, EXECUTIVE RACE DIRECTOR, BANK OF AMERICA CHICAGO MARATHON

HOW TO APPROACH THE GUIDEBOOK

The guidebook offers practical recommendations with concrete examples on how to help your stakeholders connect sustainability goals with opportunities to take action.

As you get ready to start or enhance your sustainable and socially responsible practices, we encourage you to remember:

1. Start with small, manageable steps - everyone can play a role

2. Invite a mindset of progress, not perfection

Thank you for joining us in the global effort to create a more sustainable and responsible sport.

MATERIALS: RESPONSIBLE SOURCING AND RESOURCE MANAGEMENT

When planning responsible events, organizers and partners should consider the complete lifecycle of materials produced as a part of the experience, as well as items distributed to participants. In doing this, we can identify and create solutions to minimize waste and reduce consumption.

DIGITAL COMMUNICATIONS

Print materials are distributed as a touchpoint throughout the event journey to communicate important operational information and enhance the participant experience. Review the materials that have historically been printed and identify opportunities to reduce paper waste and streamline communications through more popular digital channels.

IDEAS INTO ACTION: In 2021, the Bank of America Chicago Marathon made the event’s participant guide, spectator guide and media guide available in digital format only, with limited printing of the Results Book. Transitioning from print to digital in 2021 resulted in over 48 tons of paper not being used and avoided 400 tons of CO2e emissions from being produced. In addition to this the event will continue to rely on the Mobile App powered by TCS as a primary channel to communicate event logistics and promotions in a streamlined zero-waste format.

*Environmental impact estimates were made using the Paper Calculator Version 4.0. For more information visit: papercalculator.org.

SIGNAGE

Signage helps to create the environment of an event, but it also creates a sustainability challenge given the production, quantity and overall prominence within an event footprint. When producing new signage, it’s important to choose environmentally sustainable options when possible.

• Design to reuse: Consider producing signage in a size that can be used in various locations. Be mindful of what you are printing and how including or omitting graphics and/or copy can extend the use of the sign for future events.

• Digital signage: The use of digital signage is growing in popularity as a result of the ability to share multiple messages in one location and the flexibility to change content in real-time without reproducing signage. While this option offers more opportunities, it can come at higher price point.

• Sustainable materials: When producing signage work with your vendor to identify materials that are recycled or are recyclable.

• For paper signs, choose paper-based substrates that are recyclable.

• Use honeycomb instead of polyfoam or PVC. It’s 100% recyclable and contains zero volatile organic compounds.

• Eliminate vinyl and opt for more sustainable materials like recycled fabric.*

*Recycled fabric is made out of recycled PET and can be reused; although vinyl can be reused, it’s a material that cannot be recycled.

OTHER EVENT MATERIALS

Event organizers should be aware of all items being produced and distributed at their events. The reach of sustainably sourcing materials should extend to all areas of the event. This includes, but is not limited to give-aways and handouts, participant and staff merchandise, credentials and participant amenities like finisher medals. How the materials are produced, what they are made of and how they are packaged are all important considerations when striving to create a more responsible event experience.

ADDITIONAL READING: Appendix A: Acceptable Materials and Give-Aways

IDEAS INTO ACTION: The Bank of America Chicago Marathon official Nike running shirt is made from 100% recycled polyester, made from a new blend of recycled plastic bottles and polyester fabric scraps. In addition to reducing waste, recycled polyester reduces carbon emissions by up to 30% compared to virgin polyester, and helps Nike divert an average of 1 billion plastic bottles annually from landfills and waterways.

PACKAGING AND SHIPPING

• The use of sustainable packaging and green shipping options should be provided when available

• Items should not be individually packaged or wrapped in plastic

• Reduce the size and volume of packaging

• Packing material should consist of recyclable and/or made of recycled content

• When shipping, choose ground vs. air

• If available, choose a green shipping option with low-emission transportation companies

• Offset credits can be purchased to make shipments carbon neutral

ADDITIONAL READING: Appendix C: Green Packaging and Shipping

IDEAS INTO ACTION: Bank of America Chicago Marathon medals are no longer individually packaged in plastic. This decision was made several years ago to align with green packaging policies.

EVENT EXPOS

Event organizers should evaluate opportunities to make sweeping changes related to the expo experience and how those changes can be implemented by event partners at each booth or within specific activations.

IDEAS INTO ACTION: This year’s expo sustainability activation reuses existing elements from the 2019 expo, such as the signage made from 100% plastic bottles.

• Booth structures: By making changes to the design and materials used at expo booths, waste, shipping weights and packaging are reduced, and it creates the opportunity for materials to be re-used.

• Environmentally-friendly alternatives for booth designs, include: Flex Frames, Forest Sustainable Certified wood, Smart Counters, and using options like Falcon Board or digital signage to reduce waste.

ADDITIONAL READING: Appendix B: A Closer Look at Sustainable Booth Structures provides further details and recommendations to create a more sustainable and responsible booth experience.

Expo Flooring: Eliminate carpeting when possible or choose options friendlier to the environment. Eliminating carpet helps to reduce the event’s impact on the environment by removing the carbon emissions created from manufacturing new carpet as well as shipping carpet to and from the expo.

If carpet cannot be eliminated, consider renting the material rather than buying to save on shipping, cleaning, and storage.

Choosing sustainable options for carpet - like those made from recyclable materials or a darker color that can be reused up to five times - reduce waste and limit the energy used for cleaning.

IDEAS INTO ACTION: In 2021, the Bank of America Chicago Marathon committed to the elimination of carpet at the Abbott Health & Fitness Expo. We are excited to introduce this initiative and encourage event partners to join us in this effort.

By not using carpet at the expo, we are saving 55.04 metric tons of CO2e, which is equivalent to flying on a commercial airliner from Chicago to London 17 times.

ZERO WASTE: DIVERTING WASTE FROM LANDFILLS

As an event we strive to identify innovative partnerships and solutions that reuse materials, reduce waste, and divert as much material as possible from landfills to centers that compost and recycle. The Bank of America Chicago Marathon proudly partners with local community organizations to give back to the neighborhoods along the 26.2-mile course. The following initiatives are those that have introduced to the Chicago Marathon and can be integrated into your event infrastructure to create sustainable efficiencies within your processes.

GREEN TEAM

Over 100 volunteers from local environmental clubs, high schools, universities and church groups help race participants and spectators in making the right choices on disposing waste, diverting materials from the landfill and reducing the event’s overall impact on the environment. Green Team volunteers are trained on how items distributed at the event should be disposed of, from recycling cans to composting banana peels.

ZERO WASTE STATIONS

Green Team Volunteers staff Zero Waste Stations throughout the event footprint, with participants placing items on tables for volunteers to sort into recycling, composting, upcycling and landfill bins. Implementing Zero Waste Stations at events helps reduce contamination and ensures every discarded item will flow into the correct waste stream. By interacting with the participants and educating them on how the waste is processed, we hope to inspire individuals to take what they learn from the event and take action at home.

CUPS TO SOIL

Water is served before, during and after the race in cups made from bamboo, a compostable material. Along with water cups, the event also collects banana peels and apple core remains at the finish line which is composted and turned into nutrient-rich soil that is donated to local community gardens.

• Sustainability Partner: The Urban Canopy provides event week compost pick up services with Waste Management processing our organic waste from event day.

BLANKETS TO BOARDS

HeatsheetTM blankets distributed following the race are collected in post-race areas of Grant Park. The HeatsheetsTM collected on race day are upcycled through a process that turns the material into composite wood boards. These boards are used to create benches for installation in local community gardens.

• Sustainability Partner: HeatsheetsTM “Blankets to Boards” program is an innovative recycling partnership with Trex Company, a manufacturer of decking and outdoor furniture.

BOTTLES TO FABRIC

Bottles and recyclable materials collected along the course are pelletized and fashioned into yarn that is used to make fabric. The fabric created is then repurposed by the event and used to create signage at each Zero Waste Station and in event activations at the Abbott Health & Fitness Expo.

• Sustainability Partner: Hightech Signs

TERRACYCLE

Runner amenities offered along the course, including energy gel packets and wrappers, are able to be recycled, but the process to recycle them can be difficult. The event utilizes TerraCycle’s Performance Nutrition Recycling Program to collect gel wrappers and packets and turn them into new products.

• Sustainability Partner: TerraCycle

CLOTHING AND FOOD DONATION

Participants often discard extra layers of clothes prior to starting the race. Discarded clothing is collected by volunteers and donated to Illinois AMVETS. In addition to this, the event donates unused food and water resources to the Greater Chicago Food Depository.

VENUES AND FACILITIES

With more sustainable options becoming available, choose venues and facilities that minimize environmental impact.

EVENT VENUES

Intentionally select venues that prioritize sustainability initiatives, manage a positive track record of supporting the environment and local communities, and limit overall negative impact.

IDEAS INTO ACTION: Bank of America Chicago Marathon partnerships highlights the event’s commitment to working with venues focused on sustainability:

• Grant Park – We work closely with the Chicago Park District, our community partner, to ensure the grounds are left in as good, or better, condition post event.

• McCormick Place – McCormick Place purchases Green-e Energy certified renewable wind energy certificates (RECs). The RECS offset 100% of the electricity use at McCormick Place.

• The Hilton Chicago – 2017 Illinois Sustainability Award Winner

EVENT FOOTPRINT

When identifying event venues and the footprint of the event on race day, you should plan locations and the course route with the least amount of impact on the environment and community.

IDEAS INTO ACTION: The Bank of America Chicago Marathon course route was strategically designed as a closed loop, starting and finishing in Grant Park. The course design allows us to reuse and repurpose event facilities throughout the day.

CARBON MANAGEMENT AND ENERGY

By purchasing carbon credits, you can offset travel and reduce greenhouse emissions. You can also purchase renewable energy credits to offset electricity use from non-renewable sources.

CARBON OFFSET PROGRAM

Provide opportunities for participants to offset their carbon footprint by partnering with organizations that invest in carbon-reducing programs.

IDEAS INTO ACTION: New in 2022, the Bank of America Chicago Marathon offers participants the option to purchase carbon offsets from Cool Effect, a nonprofit investing in projects to reduce carbon pollution, within their participant account and at sustainability activations at the expo and the 27th Mile Post Race Party. By offsetting their travel emissions from miles traveled to the event, participants are positively impacting the largest source of our event’s carbon footprint, travel.

ENERGY

1. Measure direct energy consumption and associated greenhouse gas emissions. Plan ways to reduce or eliminate energy use such as using low emissions energy sources such as solar panels. Purchase renewable energy credits to offset the Scope 1 & 2 emissions you can’t avoid.

2. Choose green pricing from your power company or select a clean power company where available. A small premium is paid in exchange for electricity generated from clean, renewable (“green”) energy sources.

IDEAS INTO ACTION: Following the event, the Bank of America Chicago Marathon calculates the carbon footprint of the event and purchases carbon offsets to reduce the overall event impact. Electricity for the warehouse is purchased through Hero Power, a company that buys Renew Renewable Electricity Certificates (RECs) to match 100% of the electricity consumed. The Bank of America has been purchasing 100% renewable energy of for all US facilities since 2019.

TRANSPORTATION

CONSIDER ALTERNATIVE TRANSPORTATION OPTIONS

When traveling to and from the event, promote alternative travel options that reduce carbon footprint

Chicago’s alternative options for transportation

• Divvy – Chicago’s bike sharing service.

• Metra - Northeast Illinois commuter rail system. Use the Metra Electric line for transportation to and from the Expo

• CTA - Chicago’s bus and “L” train system

VEHICLE AND ENERGY CONSUMPTION

• Consider energy efficient vehicles and alternative fuel sources for your equipment and vehicles used at the event.

• Hybrid, electric, fuel cell and low-emission vehicles are preferred

• Fuels such as bio-diesel, compressed natural gas and clean-diesel are more responsible fuels than standard diesel.

• Idling of all vehicles is highly discouraged and illegal in the City of Chicago for diesel vehicles. Please see Chicago’s Anti-Idling Law for more information.

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

Every year, the Bank of America Chicago Marathon positively impacts the Chicago economy. This impact provides opportunities to unite diverse groups and create new pathways to civic pride.

ECONOMIC IMPACT ON CITY OF CHICAGO

Each year, an independent economic impact study is conducted by the University of Chicago at Urbana-Champaign Regional Economics Applications Laboratory. Study authors use the Chicago Region Econometric Input-Output model to estimate the direct and indirect economic impact the marathon has on the local economy. Local businesses and community organizations participation and buy-in:

• Outreach to communities and local businesses to solicit feedback on how to mitigate any negative impacts

• Provide opportunities to volunteer

THE BANK OF AMERICA VOLUNTEER PROGRAM

• 12,000 volunteers as individuals or groups from local organizations such as high schools, colleges, run clubs, non-profit organizations, corporate groups and more

• Individuals are motivated to volunteer to give back to the sport, support a loved one who is running, to earn service hours, or to spend time with their volunteer group

• The event awards volunteers in the following categories –Outstanding Volunteer Service, Legacy Award, Outstanding Volunteer Group

• Qualifying volunteer groups can earn a donation to their organization, recognizing their time commitment to the event

CHARITY PROGRAM

12,000 runners raised an event record $27.1 million through the 2019 Charity Program. The funds raised deepen the impact of the program, which has contributed over $265 million to local, national and international causes since 2002.

CHICAGO PARK DISTRICT CROSS COUNTRY CHAMPIONSHIPS

The Bank of America Chicago Marathon gives back to the Chicago Park District by annually supporting the Chicago Park District Cross Country Championships. By helping host three qualifying youth races, the Chicago Marathon shares the joy and reward of exercise and fitness with the next generation. Children in the program receive finisher medals, bib numbers, certificates and t-shirts, along with the thrill of racing.

COMMUNITY GARDENS COMPOST DONATIONS

The banana peels, apple cores, used Bank of America water cups and Gatorade cups collected from the 2021 Bank of America Chicago Marathon were taken to a compost facility where the organic waste was turned into a nutrient rich soil amendment. In May 2022, the finished compost was delivered to BEET Chicago and El Paseo to help nourish the soil in their community gardens.

INCLUSIVITY

Bank of America Chicago Marathon has a formal Access and Equity Policy and is committed to innovating adaptative sports. The event works with partners to identify barriers to under-represented groups and develop efforts to remove those barriers.

ACCESS & EQUITY INITIATIVES

• The Bank of America Chicago Marathon offers a robust Athletes with Disabilities Program, providing access to athletes who are mobility impaired and/or visually impaired, open field push-rim wheelchair athletes and duo teams. There is a separate prize division for athletes classified as T53/T54 as well as T51/T52.

• Visually impaired athletes are awarded Bank of America Chicago Marathon braille medals as they cross the finish line.

• The event participant guide is translated into eight different languages so all athletes receive important race information.

• The Elite Athlete Mentor Program is a partnership between the Bank of America Chicago Marathon and the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign wheelchair sports program. It is designed to provide mentorship and inspiration to children living with permanent disabilities who are interested in wheelchair sports.

• Gender-neutral changing facilities are available to runners prior to and following the race.

• The Bank of America Chicago Marathon is working with clubs from the entire Chicago running community to give them increased access to our events and exposure through our channels.

• Ongoing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion education through speakers from our community is provided for our event staff and volunteers, including the addition of a non-binary option on event staff and volunteer forms.

CELEBRATING AND RECOGNIZING COLLECTIVE EFFORTS

We have a shared vision for a better future for all and when we begin to do our part in environmental sustainability and social responsibility, we can create lasting positive change together. With consumers demanding environmental action and transparency, it’s imperative that we can measure progress and share our stories of impact.

OUR CALL TO ACTION

The Bank of America Chicago Marathon’s hope is to inspire partners and event stakeholders to update their activation plans to reflect the event’s larger sustainability goals. When these initiatives are adopted by partners, we would like to recognize the organization and how they are supporting our mission.

What steps are you taking that reflect the event’s sustainability goals? Share your success stories and lessons learned to inspire others to initiate similar efforts.

IDEAS INTO ACTION

Nike

The Bank of America Chicago Marathon official Nike running shirt is made from 100% recycled polyester, made from a new blend of recycled plastic bottles and polyester fabric scraps. In addition to reducing waste, recycled polyester reduces carbon emissions by up to 30% compared to virgin polyester, and helps Nike divert an average of 1 billion plastic bottles annually from landfills and waterways.

Goose Island

Goose Island beer will be served to finishers in a custom commemorative aluminum can, which is a keepsake and meant to be cherished or recycled.

My Custom Sports Chair

Customized Adirondack Bank of America Chicago Marathon chairs produced by My Custom Sports Chair are Canadian made with 95% recycled organic resin.

TCS

The TCS app is a versatile, sustainable platform for hosting event communications. Using the TCS app, the Bank of America Chicago Marathon responsibly shares important event updates

and empowers fans to track the progress of an unlimited number of participants. By sharing event communications through the TCS app, we prevent the waste of 26 tons of materials, avoid the production of an estimated 237 metric tons of CO2, and preserve an estimated 438 trees.

Environmental Network Paper Calculator Version 4.0. For more information visit, http://www.papercalculator.org

Cool Effect

The Bank of America Chicago Marathon partnered with Cool Effect, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to reducing carbon emissions around the world, to provide a carbon offset product available for purchase in the participant account. Each of Cool effect’s projects are 100% scientifically validated, with over 90% of every dollar going directly to project partners.

Kia

Kia will lead the way on race day! Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana Kia retailers are proud to support the Bank of America Chicago Marathon. The recently introduced all-electric Kia EV will act as the lead vehicles for the 2022 event. Kia’s vision to become a ‘Sustainable Mobility Solutions Provider’ reflects the company’s approach to sustainability, which is to create sustainable mobility solutions for consumers, communities, and global society. To get more information visit kia.com/sustainability.

Introducing Self-Destructing Bags Made with LyfeCycle

The recovery bags presented at the finish line are the first plantbased, recyclable and biodegradable bags on earth. If they don’t get recycled, LyfeCycle bags are time-set to safely return to nature within two years, leaving no microplastics or toxins behind. What remains is an earth-friendly wax that becomes a part of the natural cycle of life.

APPENDIX

APPENDIX A: A CLOSER LOOK AT ACCEPTABLE MATERIALS AND GIVEAWAYS

The guidelines below have been established and implemented by the Bank of America Chicago Marathon to help their vendors, sponsors and partners create a sustainable and responsible event in terms what types of procurement and types of materials that can be used.

VENDOR / SPONSOR / PARTNER GUIDELINES FOR ACCEPTABLE MATERIALS

As a participant in this event, you are key to the success of our waste minimization effort. In order to minimize the amount of refuse sent to the landfill, we request that all items given away or sold be reusable, recyclable or compostable. All single use decorations including stickers, balloons, plastic tablecloths, etc. should not be used. Consider eliminating any single use plastic product.

Please let us know what waste you will be generating and we will provide the appropriate recycling and compost bins for any ‘back of house’ waste you generate as you operate. Recycling, composting and food donation options will be available.

We thank you in advance for minimizing our waste generation.

RECYCLING

(refer to: https://www.recyclebycity.com/chicago/guide)

Accepted in Single Stream Recycling Program:

• Plastic—empty jugs, clean tubs or bottles (#1 - #5)

• Clean, flattened cardboard boxes

• Paper, newspaper, magazines, junk mail, computer paper

• Aluminum, steel and tin cans

• Tetra-Pak™ containers (e.g. the kind that soy milk & rice milk are packaged in)

• Milk and juice cartons

• Empty aerosol containers

• Clean aluminum foil

Not Accepted in Recycling Program:

• Plastic bags

• Styrofoam

• Paint or other chemical cans

• No # 6 plastics

COMPOST

Click https://assets-chicagomarathon-com.s3.amazonaws.com/ wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Residential-Compostables-1.pdf for a comprehensive list of what to compost.

Accepted in Compost Program:

• Meat & bones

• Dairy products

• Kitchen and plate scrapings

• Paper plates with no coating

• Paper towels and napkins

• Certified compostable materials

• Coffee grounds and filters

• Floral waste

Not Accepted in Compost Program

• Brown & yellow grease

• Cooking oil

• Liquids

• Non-organic waste

GIVEAWAYS AND MATERIALS GUIDANCE

The following is offered as a source reference for all giveaways and merchandise. It will help ensure that products are of value to the recipient and contain one or more sustainability attributes. We encourage giving thought to the resources used to produce materials and recommend they are relevant to the event and the region.

Use eco-friendly alternatives

• Is it locally sourced? If not, can you find a locally sourced alternative?

• Is the item available from local artisans and/or handcrafted?

• Does the company you are purchasing from support safe and fair labor practices?

• Consider products made out of recycled content

• recycled polyester (rPET)

• Uses reclaimed wood

• Upcycled/repurposed/reclaimed materials

• Made from organic or renewable materials

• certified organic cotton, bamboo, hemp, soy, tencel, or coconut

• Better Cotton Initiative participant

• Fair Trade certified cotton

• FSC certified wood

• Can serve as a tool or resource to assist in conservation and/or waste prevention efforts

• Refer to “End of life cycle” when making a decision

Consider “end of life cycle” of the product that avoids landfilling

•

Ensure that any item being purchased can be recycled, reused, repurposed, donated, or composted at the end of its life cycle

• Check for specialty recycling programs for hard to recycle items via Terracycle or other nearby recycling programs

Use green packaging and shipping options when available

• Items should not be individually packaged or wrapped in plastic

• Minimize packaging size

• Packing material should consist of recyclable and/or made of recycled content

• Purchase in bulk when feasible / minimizing single use products

• If a green shipping option is available, choose it

• FedEx offers an EarthSmart packaging

• Choose ground vs air

• Order packaging that is made of recycled content and can be recycled, composted, or reused when no longer needed

• Use recycled pallets or use a pallet recycling program

PRINTING GUIDELINES

As a part of the Bank of America Chicago Marathon’s commitment to be as sustainable as possible, event organizers have prepared the following printing guidelines to cover procurement and printing behavior. The guidelines pertain to any ongoing consumables or durable goods used throughout the course of the event including pre and post event activities (i.e. office supplies such as copiers, copy paper, toner cartridges, ink, etc.)

We recommend the following measures in all printing-related activities:

• Eliminate unnecessary or repetitive documents

• Consider replacing printed material with digitized content whenever feasible

• Print all event related documents 2-sided

• When possible, use 100% recycled paper with at least 30% post consumer reclaimed content

• Favor water or plant-based inks, low-VOC and heavy metal free inks

• Contract with Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified printers wherever possible

APPENDIX B: A CLOSER LOOK AT SUSTAINABLE BOOTH STRUCTURES

If you’re involved in the intricate details of designing and planning your booth at an expo or on race-day, this guide is for you! The recommendations below can help you create a more sustainable and responsible booth and event by reducing waste, sourcing sustainable materials, and reducing shipping weights in packing.

1. Booth Structures:

a. As you’re designing your booth and signage, consider these sustainable options:

i. Flex Frames: Flex by Freeman reduces solid waste by replacing custom structures; All Flex components other than custom graphics are returned to inventory for re-use; Made of high-quality aluminum that reduces shipping weight; 100% recyclable at the end of its lifespan

ii. Forest Sustainable Certified (FSC) wood to build your booth and crates. FSC certification ensures that products come from responsibly managed forests that provide environmental, social and economic benefits. To learn more, visit FSC US.

iii. Smart Counters: These reusable registration stations and counters reduce solid waste and can be customized with minimal waste; Constructed of formaldehyde-free plywood and low VOC paint; All counters are returned to inventory for re-use

iv. Rental furniture: Instead of purchasing and shipping furniture, consider renting reusable furniture from local businesses to reduce waste, costs and carbon emissions.

v. Sustainable carpet: Consider renting rather than buying to reduce waste by saving on shipping, cleaning and storing. Also, choose darker-colored carpets since they’re easier to reuse and recycle. Or go carpet-free to reduce and save even more!

2. Booth Signage:

a. Falconboard for your graphic display board: Honeycomb boards, such as Falconboard, is an environmentally friendly alternative to foamcore. It’s make from renewable resources and/or with post-consumer-waste content and is 100% recyclable unlike other graphic substrates. is made from reusable, renewable and is 100% recyclable.

b. Digital Signage: Digital solutions eliminate waste by replacing printed graphics; the use multiple messages across screens and the ability for last-minute changes without reprinting also reduces waste

3. Shipping:

a. “Online and before the deadline is better for the bottom line” (Freeman, Nine Ideas to Reduce Your Event Footprint). And it’s better for the environment when you plan ahead by consolidating shipping, thinking strategically about reducing waste and eliminating any unnecessary shipping.

b. Reusable Shipping Padding: Avoid materials that can never decompose like packing peanuts and foam plastic materials.

4. Leftover Materials:

a. Donation programs: By donating your leftover materials to a local nonprofit or community organization, you can help eliminate waste. Plan ahead by researching local groups and learning about their specific needs to make sure what you donate is actually needed and can be repurposed.

The Bank of America Chicago Marathon partners with Freeman to create a sustainable expo. For additional expo recommendations, visit Freeman’s Nine Ideas to Reduce Your Event Footprint. For additional ideas on going digital, visit Freeman’s For the Good of Everyone: How to Make Your Event More Sustainable page.

APPENDIX C: GREEN PACKAGING AND SHIPPING

Below are guidelines to help you choose the most environmentally friendly options for packing and shipping:

• Items should not be individually packaged or wrapped in plastic

• Minimize packaging size

• Packing material should consist of recyclable and/or made of recycled content

• Purchase in bulk when feasible / minimizing single use products

• If a green shipping option is available, choose it

• Fedex offers an EarthSmart packaging

• UPS offers a Carbon Neutral option https://www.ups.com/ us/en/services/sustainability/sustainable-services/carbonneutral.page

• Choose ground vs air

• Order packaging from places like "EcoEnclose"

• That offer packaging that is made of recycled content and can be recycled, composted, or reused when no longer needed

• purchase recycled pallets or use a pallet recycling program, like Millwood

• Use carbon offsets to offset your shipping