The Buffalo Green Hospitality Initiative was formed in August 2007. The goal of the Initiative is to develop and maintain environmentally responsible practices in the Erie County Hospitality Industry. The focus is to promote a green experience for travelers and conventioneers in Western New York. The expectation is that Hospitality related companies and organizations will look at all areas of their operations and make efforts to reduce their carbon footprint.The area's meeting and guest room venues will be responsible by maintaining an acceptable "green" program. The main objective is for each location to offer an improved environmental performance in an agreed upon time period. The areas that will be considered for the program are as follows:Reduced electric and gas consumption through sensible purchasing of efficient productsLessen unnecessary use of lighting and heatWaste managementWater conservationUse of indigenous plant lifeUse of non-toxic or low-toxin cleaning suppliesPurchasing locally grown, organic food when availableLeftover food donation to a local food bankCompostingOffering reusable dishware and cutleryUse of linen napkinsOffering reusable centerpieces to plannersOffering condiments in bulk containersBack office paper and ink usage reduction