10.14.2008 - 12:54pm ET

(CSRwire) BETHESDA, Md., Oct. 14 /PRNewswire/ -- This year, as treasury and finance professionals from companies including GE, Goldman Sachs, Google, and Bank of America gather to discuss critical issues surrounding the crisis in the banking and credit markets, they will also be participating in a green and socially responsible conference. The Association for Financial Professionals (AFP) is launching a new initiative called AFPAware -- a comprehensive program that supports a greener, healthier and more socially conscious environment for the largest event for the treasury and finance community, the AFP Annual Conference in Los Angeles, CA, October 19-22, 2008.

According to Meeting Strategies Worldwide, a typical five day conference with 2,500 attendees will use 62,500 plates, 87,500 napkins, 75,000 cups or glasses, and 90,000 cans or bottles. Add emissions from people traveling to and from the conference, the paper used to create conference handouts, and the need to reduce waste is clear.

California's Zero Waste policy, which encompasses recycling/proper disposal, waste reduction, reuse/conservation and environmental protection, provides a perfect setting to launch the AFPAware program. AFP has incorporated the following elements into this year's Annual Conference:

• Communications -- AFP printed its marketing materials, including flyers, brochures and signage, on recycled, chlorine-free paper, using soy-based inks. It also utilized other sources, including the AFP Annual Conference Website and CDs to provide educational session presentations and other Conference-specific materials to attendees. AFP has provided its exhibitors, vendors and sponsors with tips on how they can participate in AFPAware's recycling and reduction efforts.
  
  
• Community Involvement -- AFP and Fidelity Charitable Services are hosting a volunteer day at The Midnight Mission, L.A.'s third largest homeless shelter. On Sunday, October 19, Conference attendees will volunteer their time to join AFP in the preparation and distribution of Sunday's lunch to the homeless; Sunday lunch is not normally provided by The Midnight Mission. According to the U.S. Conference of Mayors, A Status Report on Hunger and Homelessness in America's Cities, more than 82,000 people are homeless each night in Los Angeles County. Of those, 41 percent are families with children, and 5 percent are unaccompanied youth.
  
  
• The Los Angeles Convention Center -- The Convention Center is a "green community" and is affiliated with the EPA's Waste Wise and Green Power Partnership programs and the U.S. Green Building Council. The facility has a comprehensive recycling program, an indoor air filtration system, and programs to reduce use of energy and harmful chemicals. It is also considered the largest solar energy-generating convention center in North America.
  
  
• Food and Beverage -- The Convention Center will use reusable dishware, flatware and linens for Conference events. Its chefs will incorporate organic, locally grown produce in conference meals. Excess food will be donated to The Midnight Mission.
  
  
• Transportation -- AFP has partnered with a company that uses shuttle buses with new engine, tire and logistics technology that reduces its fleet's impact on the environment
  
  
• Housing -- The hotels AFP chose for this year's Conference have recycling, energy and harmful chemical reduction programs.

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