Environmental Considerations in CPS Training

By Gretchen Bingham

Originally appeared in the International Creativity Network Newsletter, volume 4, number 2, 1994, page 11.

In his book, Origins Reconsidered, Richard Leakey describes us not as "stewards of the earth," but rather "short term tenants. " By placing homo sapiens, as one of the species among many, he hopes that together we decide to be "better tenants" of the Earth.

As a facilitator of CPS, you can practice being a "better tenant" of the Earth by considering waste reduction and recycling when planning a CPS session. As part of the logistics, ask the client what recycling or waste reduction efforts are operating within their organization. If you're conducting the session at a hotel or other outside facility, ask what provisions are available at that location. Find out how garbage is separated, collected, and if there are special containers available. Be sure to ask for details around fine-paper recycling. Collection systems have various rules governing the types and colors of papers they will accept. Plastics may also be specific to certain types. Ask for details in advance so that you and your client can give the participants some clear directives to support the system. Make recycling signs such as CARDBOARD, FINE PAPER, PLASTIC to put up over content areas. Make them easy to read with specifics such as "White paper only."

Flip chart paper and Post-Its are the largest waste generated in a CPS session. When you do training, have one of your associates do a count and see if you are able to track the amount you generate per person. Multiply that by the number of sessions you do a year, and you may develop a stronger ownership on this problem. Encourage your client to follow-up with recycling the flip-chart paper and Post-Itsafter the information is transferred. Those sheets that have just a bit of writing on the top can be used again or given to a local daycare facility for art projects. As for Post-ItsPaper recycling collectors may consider them a "contaminant". Check to see if the adhesive is limited enough in quantity to be recycled with other types of paper.

As an alternative to paper flip charts, some suppliers carry sets of white plastic sheets that stick on wall surfaces with static electricity. These are reusable, and you can wipe them clean after use. One consideration is to check out the walls of the room you will be using well in advance, so you can decide if you're able to use plastic. The other consideration is to be sure of having an adequate supply of these for your groups.

Handouts and print materials can be printed or photocopied on recycled stock. There is a wide variety of attractive papers for laser print and cost can be balanced with quality. You can also consider recycled stock for your stationary, fliers, and business cards. Using these conveys a clear environmental message to others.

If you're involved in the planning of food with your client, ask about the use of china plates, metal cutlery, and glasses or cups that are washed, not thrown away. Many companies ask employees to bring their own mugs to work for coffee. Encourage and support using mugs for coffee breaks. Finally, when you leave a session, make sure you've included yourself in the ownership of leaving the site with the least amount of waste generated by your business. Clients who are environmentally conscious will appreciate your consideration.

CPS is a dynamic model that moves us toward creative change. We need to support change wisely by responding to the need to preserve and conserve our natural resources as creatively as possible.

Contact information: Gretchen Bingham, 1605 Tipperary CT., Mississauga, ONT L5H 3Z5 Canada, Phone: (905) 271-6496, fax (905) 271-6497