An estimated 19–23 million metric tons of global plastic waste reportedly entered aquatic environments in 2016 with mounting evidence that plastic marine debris causes ecological effects across all levels of biological organization in aquatic systems. Scientific conferences generate opportunities for waste through food and beverage services, giveaways, marketing and registration materials, poster and trade exhibits, attendee travel, lodging services, and local transportation. Zero waste measures instituted at the Sixth International Marine Debris Conference resulted in the avoidance of 76,300 single-use items. Zero waste is a process defined by a spectrum of actions ranging from no reduction whatsoever to generation of absolutely no waste. Achieving 100% zero waste is very difficult. Deciding where on the spectrum you wish to land and being comfortable with that target is paramount for event planning. Planning for reduced waste takes time, funding, and determination, but environmentally-themed organizations have a responsibility to lead by example.

据报道，2016年估计有19-23百万公吨全球塑料废物进入水生环境，越来越多的证据表明，塑料海洋垃圾对水生系统中所有生物组织的各个层面都造成了生态影响。科学会议通过食品和饮料服务，赠品，市场营销和注册材料，海报和贸易展览，与会人员旅行，住宿服务和当地交通，为废物创造了机会。在第六届国际海洋废弃物会议​​上制定的零废物措施避免了76,300件一次性物品。零浪费是一个由一系列行动定义的过程，从不减少任何污染到绝对不产生废物。实现100％零浪费非常困难。决定您希望落在何处并熟悉该目标对于事件策划至关重要。规划减少浪费需要时间，资金和决心，但是以环境为主题的组织有责任以身作则。