Do not worry if you are eco-conscious and want to throw a house party. These simple tips will make sure you and your ideologies are a winner.
Slash your tree toll
Using tree-free and recycled papers for invitations and thank-you notes is one of the easiest ways to reduce the pollution. Look for alternative papers handmade from plants such as hemp, which can be harvested in a few months as opposed to a few decades. Use recycled, unbleached napkins and paper towels, and make your own creative gift wrap using brown paper bags.
Partyware
Buy products made from recycled vs. virgin material. Another eco-friendly alternative is the new tree and petroleum-free compostable plastic-like partyware made from corn, potatoes and sugar cane plant parts not used in making sugar. And when it comes time to clean up after the party, try using 100 percent biodegradable and compostable bags.
Reduce and reuse by renting
Renting creates practical, eco-conscious alternatives . Rent place settings, tablecloths, cloth napkins, decorations, coolers and more. Rent gowns and costumes, or shop second-hand stores, rather than buying party attire new.
Transport en masse
Group transportation reduces pollution, saves drivers from finding parking spaces, and gives your guests a designated driver. Inside the party invitations, include web addresses for bus schedules and bike paths to support guests to use petroleum-free modes of transportation to the party.
Serve green food
Serve organic food and spirits that maintain sustainable farming practices. Collect the table scraps and then compost them. You don’t need to have a garden or even use the compost , you can just let it biodegrade into the soil.
Waste less
Buy in bulk to reduce excess packaging, and choose for products packaged in recycled and recyclable containers. Provide recycling bins at your occasion for glass, aluminum, plastics, cardboard and other recyclable containers.
Buy local
Using flowers and food that are locally grown and in season cuts down on the use of fuel to transport such goods over long distances. By highlighting local products at your party, you’ll support the environment .
Make outdoor entertaining eco-friendly
In the spring and summer, take advantage of sunny days and mild evenings to entertain guests outside. Set up a drink and appetizer station on your garden potting bench. Solar-powered lighting around patios and walkways saves energy and looks beautiful at a nighttime party. Also try natural soy or beeswax candles in fireproof containers to create ambiance. For a daytime event, a portable solar generator or power pack is a cool idea.