Statistics report Super Bowl 2014 as the greenest on record, with the New Orleans host committee reporting an offset of 3.9 million pounds of CO2 emissions, thanks to environmentally friendly initiatives. Let’s keep the trend going in 2015. Regardless of your team colors, transform this year’s Super Bowl celebration into a green affair.
- Plan ahead. Digital invitations are the way to go to save on postage and fuel, so use a service like Evite.com or PunchBowl.com to send yours. Let guests know you’re throwing your party with the environment in mind and ask them to do the same.
- List it. Avoid unnecessary trips to the store for forgotten items by making a detailed list before you go. While planning, choose recipes that use fresh, local ingredients.
- Veg out. It may not be traditional fare, but the net is full of delectable vegetarian eats sure to leave a smile on any meat lover’s face. Do a quick Pinterest search for “Vegetarian Party Food” for some great ideas.
- Be chipper. When it comes to Super Bowl parties, it’s all about the chips and dip. Be it pita, tortilla or potato, research healthy, homemade versions that crisp up in a snap and reduce the number of chip bags hitting trash bins this month.
- Cheers! Quench thirst with sustainability in mind. Choose libations from New Belgium, whose operations are more than 70 percent wind powered, or Odell Brewing Company, whose products are some of the most sustainably produced. Wines from Alma Rosa and French Rabbit rate the most ecofriendly.
- Serve smart. Always opt for reusable plates and flatware. However, if disposable is unavoidable, choose products that are composter-friendly. Check out these fabulous finds from our friends at Apartment Therapy.
- Waste not. If you’re overwhelmed with leftovers following your super bowl feast, share them! Ask friends to bring along containers for easy clean up and transport.
- Clean green. Place recycling stations in strategic places so guests can get in on the act. And when the party is over, use safe, nontoxic products like those in GreenHouse Eco-Cleaning’s Ecospirit™ line, to get your house back in order for the week ahead.
Talk to us: Which team are you rooting for this year? Shout out your team name in the comments below. Bonus points if you share your favorite green party planning tip, too!