When you're prepping for a trade show, the last thing on your mind is how much garbage you'll leave behind. That is, unless you're aware of just how much waste conventions can create.

Trade shows are responsible more than 600,000 tons of trash each year. And, according to the Trade Show News Network (TSNN), expos in the U.S. and Middle East alone emit nearly 200,000 tons of carbon annually. And that's just from the production of exhibition booths!

If you exhibit at or attend at least one conference a year, you contribute to these alarming statistics. And that's why it's also your duty to help reduce the waste that's created.

TSNN recommends the following tips for reducing display waste:

1. Use recycled materials

If you're printing brochures, making signs or even passing out trade show giveaways, opt for ones made from eco-friendly materials. For example, your literature can be printed on recycled paper. Also look for eco-friendly promotional products that can be passed out to attendees.

2. Print with vegetable-based ink

Did you know that traditional ink can leak volatile organic compounds once the paper has been thrown out? TSNN suggests switching to soy-based ink, instead: "Such inks have dramatically less impact on the environment, and are easily removed." What an easy way to make a difference!

3. Avoid UV coated paper

Although some printers will argue that UV-coated paper protects the environment by "sealing in" any oil-based solvents, this type of material is also difficult to recycle. Paper that features an aqueous (water-based) coating will be much easier on the earth.

Trade shows are the not most environmentally-friendly events. There tends to be a lot of waste and litter. You can't control what other companies do, but you can make sure that yours puts its best (and greenest) foot forward. Here are a few tips for going green at your next trade show:

Reduce
Cut down on paper. You can still make an impression without handing out printed materials. Many exhibitors are now taking advantage of our growing technology with promotional flash drives. You can put your digital brochures and other marketing materials on the drive and customize it with your company name and logo. It accomplishes two goals at once and reduces the use of paper.

Reuse
Most trade shows provide some kind of food, and not all of it is always eaten. Check with the show prior to attending and ask them how left-over food is disposed of. Encourage or even head-up donation to ensure it doesn't go to waste.

Recycle
Nowadays, trade show facilities often have places for exhibitors to recycle and even offer separate compost bins. Look into the available options before the show and put clearly-marked receptacles at your booth to allow visitors the ability to recycle paper, plastic and metals as well as dispose of trash so it does not end up littering the facility's surroundings.

Just try to make greener choices in general. If you must have paper products, try to use those made from recycled materials. If you must have sample spoons or forks, find options that are compostable (not just biodegradable) to reduce the amount of waste produced at the show. And top it all off with eco-friendly promotional products.

When you go green at your next trade show, not only are you doing something good for the environment, but you're also showing your customers and potential customers that you are willing to help reduce your carbon footprint in any way you can.