Show your guests you are environmentally conscious by making your next celebration a green one. Below are a few ideas that can create a memorable green event:
Choose an eco-friendly venue. Outdoor venues are favorable, as you don't need added décor or flowers with nature's beauty surrounding you. Also try to select a venue close to home. Guests will have to travel less, using less energy and fuel. The easiest choice would be your own home!
Almost all of your guests use the internet these days, even grandparents! www.evite.com is a great way to invite guests, track RSVPs, and even let guests communicate with each other. If you opt for paper invitations, find some made with recycled paper.
Opt for a candlelit (palm or beeswax) dinner to conserve energy. Another option would be too have an afternoon get-together, where you are taking advantage of natural light from the sun.
Hire a gourmet caterer who uses organic & local products. Have them prepare only what will be needed for the event. If there are leftovers, ask the caterer if the food can be donated to a local shelter, or at least composted. Another option would be to cook the food yourself. Research some local vendors, and visit farmer's markets to find out what foods are best during the month of your event.
Use eco-friendly, reusable products, such as linen napkins, dinner plates, utensils & glassware. If available, use locally grown flowers. Display your food using chafing dishes, platters & bowls instead of disposable serving pieces. Guests will be impressed by the elegance of your buffet!
Get your recycling bins in order before the event, and clearly mark the containers so guests can "pitch in" with the recycling. If you hire a caterer, have them ask their staff to recycle anything possible. If you are lucky enough to live in a state like Michigan, you can even cash in on all those empty cans & bottles for 10c a piece!
Balloons are not biodegradable, making them a choking hazard for birds, fish, squirrels, and even kids!
Sustainable Living
http://www.sustainabletable.org/
Gift Giving/Registry
http://www.kiva.org/about
http://www.changingthepresent.org/registries
http://www.alternativegiftregistry.org/
