Sustainability

Sustainability is a core value of librarianship. A commitment that holds "to be truly sustainable, an organization or community must embody practices that are environmentally sound, economically feasible, and socially equitable."

In support of ALA’s leadership on sustainability efforts, the Annual Conference & Exhibition offers an opportunity to promote environmentally conscious policies focused on resource conservation and sustainable business practices.

The ALA Annual Conference demonstrates this commitment as we partner with attendees through the registration process.

How you can help.

Reducing our carbon footprint can be done in a myriad of ways.  However, during the ALA Annual Conference, we're asking that you consider our Sustainability Pledge when you:

REGISTER:

• Your donation also helps to offset carbon emissions caused by the increased use of technology. Make a donation to Native Energy, an organization dedicated to helping build Native American farmer-owned and community-based projects. This year, your donation will support Medford Springs when you select any of the dollar amounts below when you register.

  
  $5    $10    $20    $30    $50

ONSITE:

• Use low-carbon transportation options. While onsite, use the complimentary shuttles that ALA provides, ride public transportation (buses and trains), rideshare with people you know. 

• Participate in your hotel's green initiatives (e.g., opt-out of daily linen changes, take advantage of paperless check-in/check-out options).

• Download the ALA Mobile App to schedule events and sessions.

• Bring your own reusable mug or water bottle, or you can purchase an ALA bottle at the ALA Store.

• When disposing of trash, look for the recycling bins in the Convention Center, as well as throughout the city.

• Turn in your conference badge at the end of the conference.

• Reuse your conference tote for groceries and other errands when you return home.

TRAVEL TO CHICAGO:

• Try to book direct routes when flying. Planes release the most carbon during takeoff and landing.

• If you're local to Chicago, take the opportunity to arrive via train trip.

• Fly economy. First and Business class takes up more space per seat, which means more fuel per passenger.

• Pack light, as heavy luggage requires more fuel to carry.

• Avoid food and water waste. Bring meals with you and refill your own water bottle.

• Ask your hotel what they're doing to reduce their carbon footprint (i.e., LED lights, thermal insulation, less frequent laundering, etc.).

ALA's 2023 Carbon Offset Partner

The Annual Conference & Exhibition is fighting global warming with high-quality carbon offset in partnership with our preferred provider, Native, A Public Benefit Corporation, an organization dedicated to delivering investment solutions that create sustainable value for our clients and communities. This year we are supporting Medford Spring Grassland ConservationHB.

Medford Springs Grassland Conservation

See Additional Annual Conference Sustainability Commitments from our Conference Partners

We will continue to update these pages with information for attendees, presenters, and exhibitors. If you have additional suggestions, please contact ALA Conference Services at [email protected].