Step 5: Be environmentally
friendly
Healthy Meeting Checklist
Take responsibility and incorporate environmental considerations when convening meetings. Go green. • • • • • • • •
Use reusable, washable serving containers and eating utensils. Use compostable materials when disposable is the only option. Use PowerPoint, online portals, laptops, email and USB drives to reduce printing needs. Collect reusable materials, such as ID laces, binders and folders if participants have no need for them. Order food and beverages in bulk containers rather than individual servings. If possible donate edible low risk leftovers. Air conditioners are one of the biggest users of power: regulate the temperature wisely. Ensure sufficient ventilation and optimal air quality standards.
Healthy Meetings
Be smoke free oo
All venues are smoke-free.
Eat healthy oo oo oo oo oo oo
Sugar-free alternatives to sodas are available. Foods low in fat, salt and sugar are available for breakfast and lunch. Wholegrain cereal options are available in place of white rice/flour. Healthy choices are available for people who don’t eat meat. Sauces are served on the side. Religious restrictions are considered.
Eat safe oo oo oo
Reputable and trustworthy caterers are used. Food is covered while waiting for the meeting break. High-risk foods are served immediately.
Be active oo oo oo
Step 6: Educate! Meetings involve a captive audience, thus offer a good opportunity to educate participants on the benefits of healthy practices. • • •
Set the tone for healthy meetings by referring to participant health as a priority, and in reference to health subjects discussed. Play active health games that make participants aware of their own unhealthy behaviours and suggest improvements as icebreakers Healthy eating can be fun and educational. Including small signposts indicating the nutritional value and benefits of food can encourage participants to make healthy and informed choices (nutritional value/kJ content can be shown in combination with energy expenditure for various forms of physical activity).
Physical activity is incorporated into the meeting through mobility breaks. Time for exercise is left in and after the schedule. Exercise facilities are easily accessible in/near the meeting venue.
Be environmentally friendly oo oo oo oo
Reusable materials are used for serving. Food is ordered in bulk. Leftovers are safely reused/redistributed. Room temperature is not too cold.
© World Health Organization 2013 All rights reserved. Photo credits: Cover page - WHO, Inside pages - AFP and WHO
Convening is one of the main activities of WHO and ministries of health. As a result, we spend a vast amount of time sitting in meetings. Following six steps for healthy meetings can help us on our commitment to promoting and protecting health, enhancing the well-being and health of our co-workers and meeting participants.