 For the social environmentalist, it is a no-brainer to have a party using green decorations. We want to create a setting for entertaining without too much of an impact on the Earth. It is easy to keep your next party festive without generating a lot of waste.
One item you probably already use: balloons! Latex balloons are relatively biodegradable. Latex comes from the rubber tree, so they’re natural and break down in landfills within about six months. Be careful not to let them fly off, so that there is no harm to a bird or other animal who might find them before those six months are up. Replace traditional paper streamers with shredded recycled paper or biodegradable crepe paper streamers. Many party stores now offer these eco-friendly versions of streamers. Better yet, make your own garlands using elements found in nature, such as grapevines, cut greenery and fresh flowers. To make a natural garland, fasten your first material (such as an evergreen sprig) to your second material (such as a fresh-cut daisy stem) using floral wire. Continue fastening materials together with floral wire until you have an eco-friendly, fragrant garland for your party.
For tablecloths, instead of plastic throwaway versions, get one that has a reusable fabric. Although you may have laundry after the party, using fabric tablecloths is a simple way to eliminate those non-earth-friendly plastic tablecloths that end up in most party refuse. Plus, investing in fabric tablecloths, especially those made from hemp, bamboo, and organic cotton is cost-effective and you’ll always have one ready when it’s time to throw your next party. Don’t use plastic, store-bought banners, and make your own reusable versions. Cut small upside-down triangles out of fabric. (One yard of fabric will suffice.) Fabric suggestions include brightly colored cottons, felt, or even vintage material. Take the long edge of your first triangle (the side opposite the triangle point) and hot glue it to one end of a long piece of heavy clothesline or twine. Continue gluing your hand-cut flags to the twine rope to form a one-of-a-kind, totally green banner that you can use party after party.
Decorate your party space with flowers, greenery and potted plants. Use these all-natural party decorations as table centerpieces that can then be taken home as party favors by guests to enjoy long after the party is over. Illuminate your party space with natural candles made from beeswax, soy, and palm oil rather than petroleum-based versions that are not environmentally friendly. Eco-friendly candles typically burn cleaner and longer than their petroleum-based counterparts, which allows you to reuse them at future parties.
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