Ever wonder how to throw an eco-friendly intimate soiree or holiday party without sacrificing style or breaking your
budget? It’s easier than you might think! Here are a few tips to get you started:
1.
Paperless invitesWith most of our friends, family, and co-workers connected online these days, evites are an attractive and convenient alternative to paper invites. You’ll save trees as well as money on postage. Online websites such as
Evites or
American Greetings offer fun, customizable invites for all occasions that you can easily create and email to your guests. And best of all, it’s free.
2.
Go natural Instead of typical paper streamers and balloons, consider decorating with small plants. They’ll also make great parting gifts at the end of the party. Placing soy or beeswax candles – they won’t emit toxic, sooty fumes – around the house helps cut down on
electricity use and create ambiance. Embrace your creative self by thinking of ways you can decorate using
items you already have around the house. It’ll help you save money and make the planning process all the more enjoyable.
3.
Skip the plasticWhile it’s easy to use disposable plates and utensils at any party, it’s wise to consider if you can use real plates and utensils you already have. If cleaning up afterwards is a less than desirable option, consider enlisting a friend to help. If it’s a big party and using real plates out of the question, try to look for utensils and plates made of recycled materials such as
Recycline or
Bambu, available in many supermarkets.
4.
Encourage recyclingCreating and labeling simple recycling bins for paper, cans, and bottles, and a
compost bin for food scraps, encourages your guests to
recycle. Hopefully your eco-friendly habits will gently remind them of their own habits at home and educate them to consider similar habits when they host their own parties.
5.
Green cleaningWhile cleaning up after anyone is not the most enjoyable or sought after task, it can be very
environmentally friendly. Using natural
cleaning products such as vinegar and lemon will keep your body happy and the environment healthy. Also, consider cloths and dust rags instead of paper towels.
~ Christine Chan
