Green Holiday Parties Made Easy

With the economy in a slump, many companies and individuals are contemplating foregoing holiday parties altogether. Bah Humbug! For those still interested in getting their holiday groove on (‘tis the season after all, and we still have plenty to celebrate!), it’s easy to throw an eco-friendly festive fete. Here are a few tips to help you host a seasonal gathering that brings glad tidings to all, while still taking it easy on the planet (and your purse):

Send Virtual Invites

Thanks to social networking sites and websites devoted to helping you manage a guest list, you can eschew paper invites altogether. An electronically updated attendee list also ensures that you won’t over-purchase party treats, which can put a crimp in your budget and Earth’s limited resources.

Buy By the Bunch

If you are serving drinks and snacks (the entertainment better be really good if you’re not feeding your guests!), try to buy as much of the food and other fun fare from local and organic sources. Also, try to purchase in bulk, as this saves on packaging and will shorten your cleanup time too.

Light It Up With LEDs

Lights add a festive touch to almost every gathering. LED lights are much more energy efficient and work just as well as traditional lights. If candles are more your thing, try to burn ones made from non-petroleum products like soy or beeswax. Either way, be sure to light the way to the mistletoe!

Paper or Plastic? Those are for Scrooge

Use reusable silverware, plates, glasses and napkins in place of plasticware. In addition to the cost of purchasing disposable goods, most plastic silverware and paper bowls and plates are not recyclable, especially when soiled with food. Even most plastic silverware is not generally made of the kind of plastic that most curbside collections take. If the idea of washing all those dishes is threatening to make a Grinch of you, make your life easier by preparing finger foods and recruiting an elvish clean up crew for help. For maximum energy and water efficiency, remember to run the dishwasher only when full.

Post-Consumer Goodies

If you do end up purchasing paper products such as napkins or wrapping paper, be sure that the products you buy contain the highest percentage of recycled content possible. Generally, you can find products that are made with at least 80 percent post-consumer fiber. Since the soiled napkins’ and plates’ next stop will likely be the landfill, their first appearance shouldn’t be at your party.

Favorable Favors

If you will be exchanging gifts or favors at your party, forgo the usual trinkets for sustainably produced, fair trade fare. Besides, nobody needs another cheaply made trinket to clutter their home. If you can’t resist the shopping impulse, try to find environmentally responsible gifts like organic clothing or recycled glassware. You can also consider spreading the cheer by making a donation to your favorite charity in honor of your guests.

Truly Evergreen

If your holiday party would not be complete without some greenery, be sure to purchase the trimmings from a renewable source – i.e. one tree gets cut, and another one gets planted. When you are done enjoying the smells of the season, complete the cycle by composting/recycling your wreaths and trees. Many municipalities now have seasonal curbside recycling programs or treecycling events, and you can use Earth911’s recycling locator to find one near you.

The Morning After

Compost and recycle any food waste or bottles. If you have serious leftovers, donate them to a food bank or shelter. Food banks are almost always in need of supplies, especially around the holidays. Remember to use non-toxic and biodegradable cleaning products as well.

Unlike holiday songs, tacky sweaters and themed gift wrap, throwing an environmentally responsible party is something that you can continue to do all year-round. Go on, it’s not like you need an excuse, and if you do, there’s always a holiday to celebrate somewhere.