Tips and Tricks from Our Family to Yours
Part of the fun and the challenge of living a green, eco-friendly lifestyle is tackling traditional activities in a creative way. Food, presents, decorations, invitations, and the inevitable mad dash that comes with the holidays can be challenging to even the most environmentally friendly households and businesses.
Over the years we’ve learned a thing or two about keeping the holidays green and clean.
1. Invitations
Thanks to the Internet there’s no reason to send paper invitations. Get your whole family –at the office or at home—to contribute ideas for the holiday party invitation. Graphics, writing, colors can all be wonderfully creative and unique. E-mail them to your guest list and wait for the RSVPs to come in.
2. Decorations
Go au natural. Mother Nature is a great resource for beautiful and original decorations. String branches with colorfully painted found objects, use fruit & spices to make fragrant centerpieces, pile stones in a colorful containers for an unusual objet de’ art. Visit a craft store or flea market to repurpose items into decorations and packaging for presents. Going green is all about using the imagination to dream up a new way of doing something. Encourage your family to dream big! You’ll be surprised that you spent so many years buying decorations.
3. Gift Bags
I love attending events that surprise guests with a gift bag. It’s a lot of work, but if you’re expecting a crowd or you’re hosting a company party, consider creating an eco-friendly gift bag. Unexpected ideas include personalized reusable water bottles, plants, Fair Trade coffee or chocolate, or a charitable contribution made in their name.
4. Plates & Silverware
Add an elegant touch to the festivities by using real china and silverware. If it’s a casual event with family, ask guests to BYOS (bring their own silverware) or you can visit a local thrift store for great deals on plates and utensils. It’s okay if items don’t match. Mixing and matching china adds a whimsical feel to your event.
5. Food & Drinks
The most important part of any holiday celebration is the food. Shop for local, organic, seasonal ingredients at your local Farmer’s Markets and supermarkets. Keep the meat at a minimum, since it takes (literally) tons of natural resources to raise livestock. Request RSVPs from your guests if you can so you don’t overbuy food. If you end the evening with lots of leftovers, make arrangements with a local food bank or charity to donate what’s left instead of throwing it away.
Stick to buying local, organic, or Fair Trade when it comes to wine and beer as well. Not only is it healthier, but your support for these small vineyards and micro-brews gives them the ability to support their families and improves their lives.
6. Clean up
Hire a green cleaning service to clear up when the festivities are over. Green cleaning services will use eco-friendly cleaning products made without toxins and chemicals. Most cleaning services will even do dishes if you ask. You enjoy the party and let professionals handle the clean-up.
7. Recycle
Put out recycle bins for guests to dispose of trash throughout the party.
These are just a few of the many ways we’ve found to throw a wonderful, unique holiday party. Let us know what you’ve done to make the holidays green for your family, friends, and co-workers.