How To

How to Entertain and be Eco-Friendly

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By writeminded
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Do you love to entertain by throwing a great party for your family and friends? While most will agree that there’s nothing like a great party, a little known fact is the negative ecological effects that entertaining can have. Wasted electricity and paper goods are only part of the equation. Read on to learn how to make your next soiree eco-friendly.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy
Instructions

Things You'll Need:

  • Soy candles
  • Washable dishware
  • Reusable decorations
  • Organic foods
  1. Step 1

    Time is on your side. Do you normally throw a party around 6:00 or 7:00 in the evening? Consider a daytime party so you can make the most use of natural light and not rely on electricity as much. If you do need to run into the evening hours, consider soy candles placed strategically to add ambiance without the expense or the waste.

  2. Step 2

    Choose a natural setting. Don’t bother renting a room that needs to be decorated with paper and plastic. Use your yard for the party setting and let your landscaping be your décor. Choose a corner of your yard where guests can find some shade to set up chairs and tables to party the day away.

  3. Step 3

    Paper or plastic. Use neither, in this case. Depending on the type of party you’re throwing, you can decide if your good glass or china dishware is an appropriate choice. Using everyday reusable dishes instead of plastic or paper throw-away types cuts out the waste and usually sets a prettier table. If there will be kids attending, then consider hard-plastic reusable plates instead of glass. The same goes for cups and cutlery.

  4. Step 4

    Décor du Jour. Making a centerpiece that wows your guests can be as simple as floating candles in a few wood bowls with some rose petals or a bunch of daisies artfully arranged in a small, wicker basket or a simple glass vase. Try to use soy candles and natural products for centerpieces, along with items that you can reuse for other parties, like candle holders and cloth. Let the season lead you to the pieces of a centerpiece, from leaves in the fall to fresh roses in June.

  5. Step 5

    Let the food speak for itself. Show your greener side and have plenty of organic veggies and fruits for your guests, along with whole food dishes. Avoid pre-packaged foodstuffs as much as possible to cut out the waste as well as the calories and fat. Your guests and the environment will thank you later.

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