Simple Tips for Green Gatherings

By: Anikka Wattnem

I went as a guest to a party this weekend. Looking back on the weekend it was not at all green. The party was about 2 hours away and most people didn’t car pool. Although the meal was served on dishes, many beverages were served out of containers that likely just went in the trash. Here are a few quick and simple tips to green up your holiday gatherings.

1. Use natural decorations or things that you already have.

2. Turn down the lights and the heat. By turning down the lights you will create a cozy atmosphere and save energy. You’ll hardly notice if you turn down the heat. Body heat will keep everyone toasty. Or for those of us in colder climates, our wool sweaters will do the trick

3. Drink less. This isn’t the part of my post where I “preach” about drinking. Think about all the cans and bottles leftover at the end of a party. Even if you recycle, energy and resources went into making and transporting that product. Save yourself a headache and be green!

4. Speaking of recycling…make it easy. Hide the trash cans and break out the recycling bins. Use reusable glasses and plates rather than disposable. Paper plates are so flimsy anyway. If you don’t have enough consider borrowing from a friend or if you insist on use one time products get biodegradable cups and plates (often made from corn). Make sure to have a separate container and make sure you compost these. If the just go into the trash they don’t break down the same .They need compost conditions in order to degrade.

5. Designate Drivers. It’s the smart, safe and green thing to do. Help guests who may not know each other to carpool by emailing them together and letting them know they live near each other.