How to Plan a Go Green Get Together

It seems like everyone is “going green” nowadays, and with good reason. By using energy-saving products and recycling, we have a chance to make a real difference in our lives and our planet. Getting involved is the key. To start, follow these steps to throw a “go green” party of your own and introduce your friends and neighbors to the possibilities.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Time
• Creativity
• Imagination
• A desire to be good to the earth!

1. 
   Handmade paper invitations set the tone

   The tone of any great party starts with the invitations. Purchase invitations made from 100% post consumer recycled material or you can make your own paper, using old newspapers. You can purchase a paper-making kit from the nearest craft store or search the ehow.com site and follow the directions listed here. Once your paper is made, fill out the general information, along with any special requests, and send them to your attendees. Special requests could include the best way to “earn” prizes. For example, bring 10 plastic shopping bags and earn a cotton tote or bring 20 soda cans and earn some eco-friendly light bulbs.

2. 
   Walmart Recycling box

   Now that the tone for your get together is set, you will need to do some pre-planning to get the most information to your guests as possible. Greenhome.com has a great deal of information on recycling and ideas on how to become eco-friendly without a lot of work. Print the information on handouts for your guests. Make banners with relevant facts. For example: Wal-Mart stores nationwide collected more than 15.5 million pounds of plastic bags and more than 3 billion pounds of cardboard through their recycling program. Research the prices for recycled soda cans, paper, etc and post on a board to alert your party-goers where they can take their recycling and earn cash.

3. 
   Plates made from palm leaves can be an elegant accent

   Plan ahead to make sure all aspects of your party are eco-friendly. There are many plates, cups and utensils available online that are environmentally safe, made from materials such as bamboo and palm leaves. Also available are “Seventh Generation” brand paper plates and napkins, all of which are made from 100% recycled material. Make sure you announce these facts to your attendees as well. They won’t believe how easy it is to “go green.”

4. Make your food and drink organic as well. For a great drink put some water in glass containers and add strips of cucumber, apple, mint, peaches, limes, grapefruit, raspberries and other goodies to each then refrigerate for a few hours. It is best to stick to one fruit per bottle. Use organic fruits and vegetables for your meal. For some fun, use Twizzlers for straws…. Simply cut off both ends, and insert them into a drink. When they are finished, they can eat the evidence!

5. 
   Energy Star-rated light bulb

   Get your house ready. Change your light bulbs to florescent or eco-friendly bulbs. Energy Star-qualified products not only use less energy, but last longer while providing better light. If you are going to do any painting, make sure it is an eco-friendly paint. “Bioshield Natural Paint” or “The Freshaire Choice” from Home Depot are both great options. For candles, get beeswax, one more renewable resource. Be sure to use only tissue or toilet paper that is made from recycled materials.Clean your house with eco-safe cleaning products. Available now in most stores, be sure to check the labels and read carefully. You want to purchase products made from plant-based ingredients and are save for the environment. Purchase solar powered lights to line the walk or driveway to your house. Instead of paper and plastic decorations for your party, use plants. There are many great flowering plants available and they can be given as door prizes.

6. 
   Canvas shopping bag makes a great giveaway

   Last but not least, consider give-aways. An easy one to find is a cotton, hemp, or other natural material shopping bag. Available on-line or in many craft stores, these bags are versatile and can assist in eliminating those pesky plastic shopping bags you asked your friends to bring along. Mention that the money from recycling the soda cans or plastic bottles they brought along will be donated to a worthwhile cause Even better, if you are planning an out-door party, then plant a tree in your backyard while your guests are there to help you. It doesn’t take much to make people aware of what is available and what they can do to make their lives more ecological. Every little bit helps.