# Making FOSS United Events Low-Waste

**URL:** <https://forum.fossunited.org/t/making-foss-united-events-low-waste/2532>\
**Category:** Organisation\
**Created:** [9 November 2023 11:28 UTC](https://forum.fossunited.org/t/making-foss-united-events-low-waste/2532 "2023-11-09T11:28:53Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 1\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![fossdot](https://forum.fossunited.org/user_avatar/forum.fossunited.org/fossdot/32/77_2.png) [@fossdot](https://forum.fossunited.org/u/fossdot)\
**Post date:** [9 November 2023 11:28 UTC](https://forum.fossunited.org/t/making-foss-united-events-low-waste/2532/1 "2023-11-09T11:28:53Z")

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At IndiaFOSS 3.0, FOSS United attempted to make it a low-waste conference in partnership with “Let’s Be The Change (LBTC).”

Sharing the minutes of the meeting about this partnership. Present: @Renuka\_Pooja and @fossdot.

### Feedback and Insights from the LBTC team

**Feedback** :

- It was indeed a low waste event and we love the NO GIFTING culture at Foss United.
- Two things we could have avoided
  - Avoided the Bagasse plates for breakfast
  - Ensure that caterers do not use wooden spoons (they were used for desserts)

- We could have connected with the caterers at least a week before to ensure they are aware about the low waste event and help them provide cutleries if needed.

**Insights** :

- The email and digital awareness campaigns helped people to avoid creating more waste.
- Not providing any tissues was helpful. (However this is possible if all plates and cutleries are clean and hygienic)
- We need to work with the caterers to ensure that excess food is given to the needy and food waste being sent to piggeries/as a feed to animals/for bio-methanation instead of composting by the municipality. Reason being the first 3 practices mentioned are way more sustainable that just composting.
- Food waste was minimal during both the days. It was around 20 to 30 kgs and was way lesser than a conventional event for a similar crowd as told by the caterer.

### What’s Next?

In collaboration with LBTC, FOSS United will:

1. Utilize Cutlery Banks in various cities.
2. Engage with caterers at least two weeks before the event to ensure the execution of our low-waste plans.
3. Recruit zero-waste volunteers from different cities to assist at cityFOSS conferences.
4. Develop incentives for zero-waste volunteers from various cities.
5. Offer eco-friendly t-shirts and goodies at future events.
6. Promote the use of public transportation and shared cabs.
7. Train lead organizers in conducting low-waste conferences.

### To-Do

Share the collective feedback from participants on the low-waste initiative with the LBTC team and the community.