a new meaning to green

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Nobody loves wearing the color green more than I do. This is a bold statement, but I’m pretty sure it’s true. But rather than simply wear or decorate with the color green on St. Patrick’s Day, why not take your party a step further by bringing in the philosophy green and throwing an eco-conscious bash?

In general, for a green-themed party, minimize the party’s waste and buy local as much as possible to reduce your carbon footprint. If you want to get super-specific, here are some other ways to green your event:

• For invitations, naturally, use Evite to save paper/trees. (Hooray, Evite!) If you need paper for a banner or somesuch, step up your game from basic recycled paper and opt for Forest Stewardship Council-certified and chlorine-free products. Then print on your uber-earth-friendly paper with soy ink instead of petroleum-based ink.

• If you’re a centerpiece type of person, forgo cut flowers and instead use potted plants or fruit for décor — basically, things that have some other use after the party is over.

• Got a compost pile? Me neither! But if you do, first of all, bless you, and second of all, buy some compostable plates, cups and cutlery made of corn or potatoes (how St. Paddy’s Day appropriate!) for your party. I swear you will be amazed by them — they’re sturdy suckers that look and feel exactly like plastic.

• If composting just isn’t in the cards, look to bamboo products, which are earth-friendly because they’re from a renewable source. Be sure to check out the non-profit organization WorldCentric, which carries everything from biodegradable plates to soufflé cups. And who isn’t looking for biodegradable soufflé cups on St. Patrick’s Day?

Comments

I love that you are encouraging people to think green with their party plans. It's so easy to do and there are some amazing products available. It's a great way to spread the word about being more earth friendly in a subtle way and by setting an example. Using washable table clothes, real napkins and silverware always save money, look nicer and create less waste. Often, rental stores are just as inexpensive as buying throw-away items.

Thank you!

I just started a blog about entertaining, and was taking some tips from Evite to share. Coincidentally, I wrote about Green Entertaining just yesterday, before I read this Evite posting. Just thought I'd share!

http://therebecca.blogspot.com/2009/03/go-green-for-entertaining.html

Rebecca

I am glad you guys are talking about the FSC. It is a very good certification, and is really taking off. Even the WTO respects it! There are also Many Lumber companies that have accepted certification by the FSC.