How to throw an Eco Party

Fourth of July might be over but the season for fabulous summer parties has just begun.  It seemed as if barbecue and bonfires were on mind and lips this past weekend.  One major problem I notice when having my own get together with friends is all the waste that is created.  The problem always is knowing how to go about creating the least amount of waste and then how to dispose of it.  So how do you throw an eco party without making your guest think you are eco insane ? These are some things to consider when you plan your party this summer and anytime of year.

-The first thing you will need are invitations.  If you are having people coming from different locations and need to create invitations http://www.evite.com has the cutest options for just that.  Why waste paper when the invitation will only end up in the garbage can afterwards. This is also a very organized way to track who is coming, who is bringing what and who won’t be able to make it. 

If you are an old fashioned gal and prefer to send out physical invitations then I recommend you buy ones made of recycled paper.  An interesting way to send out invitations is on seeded paper.  This is by far the most adorable way to show you care for the planet.  Seeded paper is embedded with a mixture of seeds that are easily planted after you are done with it.

-When buying food for the your party, make sure to shop locally, even better shop in stores that have locally grown brands.  This saves on energy for pretty much everyone.

-Just because you are having a casual party, this does not mean the serving plates and utensils have to be paper or plastic.  Besides the fact that this is just boring, this practice is extremely wasteful.  Do you really want to be remembered for your paper plates?  Class it up a bit.  If you are worried about your expensive plates, this goes especially for outdoor parties, I suggest investing in something cheap.  Go to your local auction and purchase all the kitchen stuff you can handle on the cheap.  Since I am used to throwing a party in the country I do not always worry about matching.  Shabby chic has never looked so good.

-For decoration, use as many organic or energy saving items as possible.  Remember to put thought into the details and your guests will most definitely take notice.  Charming pillows and candles always work. Bamboo material is much easier on the planet and it provides a serene look to pretty much anything. 

-In the end when it comes to the clean up, being organized matters.  It makes things so much easier in the end.  Designate a place to pile up all the empty bottles and cans.  This way you have them out of the way and ready for recycling.  To clean up messes simply use clean rags, soap, water, or a gentle cleaning product (ex. green works).  This is the safest and most chemical free way to clean up your home.  I try to use the least amount of paper towels as I can, which is why you can use washable rags.  Remember to not use them more than once, as germs would love to hang out in them.

Not many people realize this, but left over food can be decomposed back into the earth or given to your local farms for feeding.  I know my grandmother’s chickens would love them.

If you have more tips on how to throw an eco party I want to hear a bout them.  Together we can think up more interesting ways to be polite to our guests and the environment. The most important thing to remember is to make your guest feel comfortable and enjoy your party at the same time.