Host a Green Holiday Party

Have a green holiday party, so you don't go into the red!

I love the holidays!  Gathering together with friends, enjoying delicious food and drink, and celebrating all the joys of the season.  With everyone being a little more cost-conscious these days, why not take a few steps to reduce your impact on the environment as well?

Have a green holiday party, so you don’t go into the red this season!

Here are our top 5 suggestions to green your celebrations this year:

1.  Don’t buy; borrow instead!  Your neighbor or co-worker may have a tablecloth, napkins or wine glasses that you can use for the evening.  Check around first.  If you are on Facebook or Twitter, its a great way to connect to a lot of people fast.

Plan ahead, so you are not running to the store at the last minute.  And, if you can’t beg, borrow or steal… check out consignment shops and thrift stores like Goodwill.  They are the ultimate in recycling!

2. Don’t use plastic or paper cups, plates or utensils.  The waste really adds up, and its much more eco-friendly to wash your dishes afterwards, rather than trashing everything into the landfill.  Don’t have enough to go around?  See tip #1 above!

If you really feel that you need to go with single-use items, avoid plastic!  Cups and utensils are usually made with #6 and #7 plastics that are not widely accepted in recycling programs.  Go with non-coated paper plates and napkins made from recycled paper – there are even eco-friendly dinnerware options made from renewable resources like bamboo, sugarcane, and corn or potato starch.  Talk about conversation starters!

'Tis the Season to Eat, Drink and be Green!

3.  Wine in a Box.  Trust me on this one!  Boxed wine has come a long way from the Chablis your parents used to drink.  Boxed vs. bottled wine is the superior green choice for several reasons (production energy costs and recycling).  It is more affordable, and clean-up is simple.  A single box holds the equivalent of 4 bottles of wine.  Cheers!

4. Eco-friendly decorations.  No need to buy expensive centerpieces.  You can literally “green” your table with holly, pine branches, pine cones and more from your own yard.  Go with soy-based candles and LED holiday lights, and you’ll have the greenest holiday party on the block!

5.  Shop local; shop organic.  The healthiest, “greenest” food choices are those that are grown or raised locally.  The locavore movement encourages consumption of foods that have traveled less than 100 miles to your store.  While farmers markets are usually closed for the season, you can still find grocers that specifically stock locally grown and/or organic food.  You’ll have superior tasting appetizers and entrees that are truly worth celebrating!  Plus, when you avoid overly processed, pre-packaged foods, your waistline will thank you later too.

So there you have it… 5 tips to host your merriest, greenest holiday party!

Celebrate the fact that you and your guests are minimizing your environmental impact, while not losing a bit of the fun of the gathering!