Eco Party

Feel like entertaining at home and making sure there’s no waste?
Here are 10 easy tips to have a party that is fun and respectful of the environment. Going green doesn’t mean you can’t have fun.

10 green tips for an eco-friendly party

1. Send e-mail invitations or phone your guests to invite them. If it is going to be a formal affair and proper etiquette dictates that you should send invitations by mail, make sure you use recycled paper. More and more wrapping paper and invitations are made using recycled material and they can be just as appealing to the eye.

2. Avoid using disposable paper plates. If you are concerned that your plates might break if you’re entertaining outside, opt instead for hand-washable plastic plates. Keep in mind that dishwashing duty can be part of the fun when everyone pitches in.

3. Choose a washable fabric or plastic tablecloth. Here again, the idea is to opt for reusable items!

4. Whenever possible, use local produce and equitable coffee.

5. Serve fresh tap water rather than bottled water. Colourful pitchers bring an added touch to your table decoration.

6. Avoid waste by preparing a reasonable quantity of food. We always worry that we won’t have enough but keep in mind that your guests will appreciate moderate portions, especially if you’re planning an energetic game of volleyball afterwards.

7. Think about placing a recycling bin in plain view next to the garbage bin. It’s a great way to encourage your guests to recycle.

8. Wash, scrub, clean with biodegradable soap: laundry, dishes, etc.

9. An eco-party is even greener when celebrated outdoors. Weather permitting of course.

10. Why not hand out prizes to guests who have walked, cycled, car-pooled or bussed their way to your party? Because going green does not only apply to the hosts!