Best Eco Stuff

Fall is here, and you know what that means – parties galore! Whether you’re planning a holiday party or an intimate dinner gathering, conventional party supplies are definitely a bit of a drain on the earth. Parties generate tons of waste – there are usually so many disposables involved, from the décor to the napkins. But, you don’t have to add to the landfills to throw a fabulous, eco-friendly shindig that oozes with style and sophistication. Here are our 10 tips for throwing a green party, whatever the occasion.

1. Don’t send paper invitations – email ‘em instead. It may sound anti-Emily Post, but these days, it’s totally fine to send invitations through email rather than snail mail in the name of the environment. People will get that you’re doing it for a noble cause – saving trees and reducing waste. Evite.com is a great place to start – they’ve got lots of cute templates to choose from.

2. Take a trip to the thrift store. You might be surprised at what you’ll find! It’s easy to score vases, tableware, linens and other party supplies for next to nothing, and it’s always greener to buy used than new. That way, you won’t be loading up on décor that’ll just make its way into the trash after the party.

3. Shop at home. It may sound funny, but have you ever seen those decorating shows where they take items from other areas of the home to re-decorate a room? You can do the same thing for your party. If you just don’t have enough stuff to create the mood you’re seeking, see if you can borrow items from friends.

4. Paper napkins are so passe. Cloth isn’t just less wasteful, it’s also more elegant. If you don’t have enough for the crowd you’re expecting, consider making some out of an old sheet, or other fabric. Check out this tutorial from Chara Michele, which explains the simple process in perfect detail.

5. Mixing and matching tableware is boho-chic and environmentally friendly. If you’re having a casual get-together, you don’t have to have a full set of matching tableware for 20 people or more! Ask friends to bring over their sets so you can stretch your own. Naturally, using disposables is a no-no, so for those times when the occasion calls for formal settings, rent from a caterer. It’s cheaper than you might think.

6. What you must buy, buy local. Contact a caterer who uses local ingredients, or shop for fruits, veggies, cheeses, bread and other items from your local farmer’s market or tailgate market. You might be surprised how many local vendors there are selling everything from flowers and artisan baked goods to local microbrews and free-range, grass-fed meats. And of course, organic beats conventionally grown any time!

7. Skip the favors. They’re not expected, not necessary and most people throw them out after a couple days if not immediately. Save your money and use it toward your other purchases instead!

8. Offer labeled recycling bins at various spots around the party location if you’ll be serving bottled beer or other recyclable items. There’s nothing worse than tossing bag after bag of recyclables in the trash.

9. Compost party leftovers. There’s bound to be lots of food left over at the end of the night. What you can’t give away to guests or finish off yourself, compost. Instead of adding to landfills (where, due to the airtight environment, many things never really biodegrade), you’ll have rich soil to grow flowers in for your next party!

10. Clean up with non-toxic supplies. If you’re not already using natural, eco-friendly cleaning products, now is as good a time as any to start. Use cloth rags instead of paper towels, and keep in mind that simple and cheap vinegar, baking soda and lemon juice are often just as effective as fancy pre-packaged cleaning products.