Chocolate, Naturally
New York City-based Maha Chocolate combines all-natural, antioxidant-rich, 70 percent dark chocolate with healthy ingredients like hazelnuts, ginger, lavender and orange slices. Cost: a bag of one dozen, about $12; a 20-piece box, $21.95. mahachocolate.com
Good Brushing
Everyone can use an extra toothbrush; try these Bogobrushes, made of 100 percent biodegradable bamboo. For every unit purchased, the company will donate another toothbrush to someone in need. Cost: $10 per toothbrush. bogobrush.com
Message Minder
Not sure your emails are getting read? If you use Gmail, consider adding on Yesware, which lets users know when their emails have been read and/or forwarded by recipients. The service's other handy tools include custom email templates and integration with sales platforms, like Salesforce.com. Cost: The basic version is free; advanced versions start at $5 per user, per month. yesware.com
Bloody Mary Mix
Down South, Bloody Marys mixed with Charleston Mix Bold & Spicy Bloody Mary Mix are de rigueur at receptions and dinners. The piquant additive is available in bulk containers ($9.95 for 32 ounces) or mini 8-ounce bottles (about $2.50 each). Bulk discounts and customization available. charlestonmix.com
Transit App
If attendees will be using public transportation during an event, clue them into Moovit (moovitapp.com), a free app that lets users track and report the status of buses and trains, as well as search for alternate routes. Watch how it works here:
Handy Scanning App
Scan documents on the go using the Genius Scan app, which is compatible with Apple, Windows and Android devices. The app uses a device's camera to snap a picture of the document and allows users to crop and stitch together pages that can then be sent as pdfs. Cost: Basic version is free; an advanced version is $2.99. thegrizzlylabs.com
Acute Accoutrement
Poketo's Gem Vase is the perfect simple design for displaying single flowers like a lily, orchid or rose. Cost: from $14. poketo.com
Earthy Eats
For a recent event, Venice, Calif.-based Schaffer's Genuine Foods created an edible garden filled with "soil" (puffed wild rice, black olives and herbed bread crumbs) and rows of seasonal baby vegetables. Servers wielding gardening gloves and trowels served the salads on compostable palm plates and poured dressings from small watering cans. schaffersgenuine.com
Tablet Rentals
To accommodate attendees without smartphones or tablets at paper-free events, Caren R. Bigelow, director of travel for Atlanta-based USMotivation (usmotivation.com), rents iPads for them ahead of time. On arrival, attendees sign out an iPad pre-loaded with the event's agenda, app and materials. Firms that offer the rental service include meetingtomorrow.com and rentacomputer.com; contact directly for price information.
Sustainable Sips
To lower the carbon footprint of her meetings and events, Caren R. Bigelow, director of travel for Atlanta-based USMotivation (usmotivation.com), likes to use local wineries and breweries, in addition to local food suppliers, whenever possible.
Bamboo Table Settings
Bamboo Studio's line of utensils, bowls, plates and cups is 100 percent biodegradable and can be single-use or reused. The line comes in a variety of colors and can be customized. Contact company for pricing information. (949) 951-2064; shop.ecobambooware.com
Bulb Centerpieces
Traditional floral arrangements die within a few days. A greener solution is to use bulb flowers (tulips, amaryllis, hyacinth), which can be replanted, instead of cut stems. Thanks to Karen Shackman of Shackman Associates New York for the tip. shackmanassociates.com