 In the warmer months, we love to celebrate the season by having our parties outdoors. If you are concerned about keeping things as environmentally friendly as possible when entertaining, follow these tips for green party planning. Planning green before, during and after the party will ensure that you and your guests are being environmentally responsible.
The first thing to think about during the party-planning part of the green outdoor party is the decorations and atmosphere. Choose environmentally friendly decorations that will beautify your outdoor space and also serve as party favors for guests to take home. Try using fresh cut flowers from your bed or potted plants as centerpieces. They also make great garlands. Purchase glass bowls from the thrift store and fill them with any combination of apples, oranges, lemons and limes. You can also fill them with water and place flowers or lead-free beeswax floating candles inside. Use large branches from landscape trimmings as fantastic decorations by placing them upright in buckets or containers of gravel for dramatic outdoor entertaining decorations.
Lighting for evening outdoor entertaining can be eco-friendly as well when you use solar lights, beeswax candles in lanterns or island torches. The soft glow of these lights will set a soft and fun mood for the party. If you must use light bulbs, make sure they are the CFLs or LEDs, which are the most environmentally friendly kind of bulbs. These also last for a long time so you can use them after the party is over.
When it comes to food, your green outdoor party can support local farmers and producers by using local produce, cheese, and meats. Local foods use fewer resources in shipping, processing and packaging and your patronage supports your community. When party planning, choose finger foods and recipes that require as few utensils, plates and bowls as possible. When it comes to choosing table wear, use what you have and avoid paper plates and plastic utensils. If you have to use disposable items, never use Styrofoam or plastic. Choose paper plates and biodegradable cups and utensils. Or better yet, try reusable items. It will call for some washing, but there will no waste.
Eliminate party waste when the fun times are through. Set up a container for food scraps that can be added to your compost pile and set out recycle canisters so guests can put their used items in the appropriate container. You can also arrange to have a zero-waste kit sent to your home for your occasion and use it to educate guests while the party is on. Send guests home with leftovers so that nothing will be wasted.
You can make a change and have a good time. Be proud of the effort that you make.
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