As part of its strategic plan, NTA identified sustainable travel as part of its core values, noting that sustainable travel will drive economic expansion, connect cultures and enhance our quality of life. As travel professionals, we have a special responsibility to protect our planet. So NTA is taking small steps at NTA events like the Convention and Spring Meet to be responsible to the earth.

In Monterey

At the 2009 NTA Spring Meet in Monterey, California, NTA and its host city partners are working together to be keep it green. In fact, the Monterey County CVB staff is establishing its own internal green practices, and is a member of NTA strategic partner Sustainable Travel International. Both host city hotels embrace sustainable practices.

• The Portola Hotel & Spa has its Monterey Bay Area Green Business Certification and is currently in the process of becoming LEED certified. In addition to being a member of the Recycled Paper Coalition, the Green Business Partnership, and the EPA's Waste Wise program, this hotel has won several green awards including the California Integrated Waste Reduction Awards Program every year since 1994, and the WRAP of the Year award. The Portola Hotel & Spa recycles, reuses, or donates nearly every type of waste item that is generated. Established in 2000, the "Green Mile" is an area in the hotel where virtually any type of item can be found and had by the hotel staff for free. The hotel estimates that its wastereduction efforts divert nearly 150 tons of waste from the landfill on an annual basis, saving over $20,000 in disposal costs every year.

• At the Monterey Marriott, one-fourth of its energy comes from Clean Windmill Power and it is an Energy Star certified property.Spring Meet seminars will take place at the Marriott, which as recycling in all of their meeting rooms. All office paper, plastic and glass are recycled at this hotel, and the guest rooms feature water saving showerheads and toilets.

Green Standards at NTA Events

Below are practices that NTA strives to incorporate in to any event, from board meetings to the Convention and Spring Meet:

• Water at the meal events will be served from pitchers instead of being preset, conserving water use at these events.
• NTA encourages the use of a reusable water bottle rather than plastic water bottles.
• Asks the food service providers to either compost all leftover food or donate it to a local charity.
• Use local or organic foods, when possible, as part of the menu selections
• Stagger transportation to be convenient to delegates while helping to reduce carbon emissions from idling motorcoaches that aren't in use.
• All cardboard utilized and received in shipping will be recycled.
• Ensure that recycling bins are provided in the meeting facilities.
• Collect registration badges at the end of the event to be recycled.
• Donate leftover supplies to area charities and schools.
• Limit the amount of printed inserts sponsors can have.
• Use electronic vehicles to communicate with delegates before, during and after the event.
• Communications that are printed are done so by using FSC certified materials with soy-based inks and are 100% recyclable.