Attending a conference can be a frustrating feeling for those who are ecologically-minded. Conferences are undeniably powerful networking opportunities, but walking among the waste of paper and empty water bottles, realizing the cost to the environment in airfare and waste in hotel accommodations is nothing short of sobering. One man, Dan Lack, is out to make a difference in a very unique way. I recently had the opportunity to interview him and understand the distinctive nature of the Waldo Tags product and what it provides to the conference industry, as well as how it benefits the environment.

LG: What are the mission and goals of your organization?

DL: We set out to disrupt an industry that hasn’t evolved much. The name tag business produces a lot of environmental waste and doesn’t effectively help people connect at events. So our goal at Waldo Tags is to create a name tag that actually works and is more eco-friendly.

LG: How did Waldo Tags get started? Where did the idea come from?

DL: I’ve been to tons of conferences and would always hear and think the same things: that the conference name tags “were horrible.” [We laughed] It’s true! Too small. Too hard to read. Where’s the plastic going? This isn’t sustainable. This thing keeps flipping around.

We’ve spent a lot of time thinking about the design and functionality of the tag because your name tag should be the ultimate icebreaker at a conference – you want it to not just “be there” but represent you and help you foster better conversations and relationships.

Our name tags are laid out horizontally with the lanyard connecting in the top corners so they don’t flip around, and in a way to present the attendee’s information for maximum impact – so people can actually read the person’s first name from a distance. In fact, Waldo Tags are 100% bigger than the industry standard. All components – lanyard, snap, and clear badge holder are all biodegradable.

LG: How are your products green?

DL: Our lanyards, clear badge holders and the snaps that connect the two are all 100% biodegradable and are made in the USA to reduce shipping costs and environmental pollutants associated with shipping. We didn’t want to sell products made from recycled plastic soda bottles because they take 450 years to decompose. Our products only take about five years to decompose.

LG: How does Waldo Tags differentiate itself from other companies that sell lanyards and name tags?

DL: First, we sell the only patented 100% biodegradable product made in the USA. Second, we really wanted to create a shopping experience that was very simple for our customers – we don’t sell 30 different products. You won’t find us trying to upsell our customers on stress balls, tote bags, neck wallets or bunch of other items they really don’t need. And we won’t nickel and dime them either. And couple that with the fact that we sell just one product with a customizable lanyard and you have a simple, compelling and green solution.

Waldo Tags are designed to foster better conversations and relationships at conferences; you will achieve optimal connectivity at your event without negative impact on the environment.

LG: What do you think are future environmental trends in your industry?

DL: I’ve seen a lot of people cut back on printing. Instead of printing the event schedule, there’s an app. Instead of exchanging business cards, there’s technology to scan QR codes (we offer this) with an attendee’s contact info and social media links from the badges themselves. Many events now live stream their content for those who can’t travel to the venue. Caterers now provide organic and locally-sourced food choices. Green is definitely on people’s minds, and that’s a good thing.

LG: What excites you most about the green space? What frustrates you most?

DL: I’m most excited about the increase in awareness on what’s going on in the green space. My favorite green blog is Daily Energy Report which is a great resource to learn about what’s going on, the lingo, new product developments—it’s where I go to get educated.

One thing that frustrates me about the green space is that some of the best solutions aren’t very economical yet, and because of that many people don’t buy them. Once green industries hit economies of scale, choosing green will become more affordable and more mainstream. But if people are buying exclusively on price, then they aren’t taking the big picture into consideration. People should challenge current of economies of scale in order to achieve future economies of scale.

LG: I like that. Are you inspired to develop other green/sustainable products? If so, can you give us a preview?

DL: Today, no. We just want to deliver this product the best we can and drive down cost the best we can. For now, we’re going to focus on doing one thing very well.

LG: What “single” bit of advice would you give to someone starting out as a green entrepreneur?

DL: Do your research. It’s imperative if you want to set yourself up for longevity and success. This is definitely an area that is getting attention, and things are changing constantly, so always do your research and keep researching even once you’ve launched.

LG: That’s good stuff, Dan. Thank you. And last but not least, my “favorite five questions”:

1. What excites you?
   Epic dinner parties.
2. What scares you?
   Sharks (I’m a scuba diver).
3. What new artist are you listening to?
   Big Gigantic.
4. Who motivates you?
   My older brother, Ben.
5. What are you looking forward to most in the future?
   A trip later this year to Panama, Israel, South Africa, and New Zealand to help build community around the supporting small businesses.

Meeting with Dan Lack and learning of his vision and focus was a true pleasure—for your next conference, selecting Waldo Tags is a smart and distinguishing choice, not just for your attendees but for the planet as the connections will last years after the tags naturally dissipate into the earth.