June Challenge
Getting married this summer? Hosting a family reunion? Or maybe just having a great backyard barbeque or garden party? Consider some of these ideas to make your event greener.
Basic challenge
Choose one of the items below to incorporate in your next party planning.
Advanced challenge
Consider all or several elements of your party and incorporate as many ideas
as possible. Tell us how it went and share your ideas here.
Invitations
Consider environmentally responsible letterhead and envelopes, or stamps with
a cause. Most printers today have greener ink options, such as soy-based ink.
Don’t forget to tell others that you went out of your way to use soy-ink.
Maybe you can encourage others to go green too? If your family is technology
savvy you could try an e-vite!
Location, Location, location
Consider your crowd and the distances for travel. Is there a better location
that would mean less travel? Can you encourage those who are flying to offset
their carbon emissions, or maybe even do it for them? Don’t forget
to tell people about it. You want others to know that you are going green,
and maybe they will follow your stewardship. Also consider natural surroundings,
such as a picnic place by the reservoir or at a State Park, which are usually
much lower impact than conventional venues. Are there green hotels or B&Bs
nearby your location?
Food
Pitch-ins are great ways to get local food. Consider the lower impact of locally
grown items, homegrown, organic, food cooperatives, seasonal food. Many locally-owned
and operated catering businesses use local, organic ingredients. Be sure
to ask them to try to use a maximum amount of local and organic food.
Green Table Supplies
Most environmentally responsible products claim to be made of durable, reusable,
toxicologically safe, and shatter-resistant materials. Most available are
safely placed in the dishwasher after use. Give Grandma a convenient sorting
station for disposing of leftovers, paper and tableware. There are durable,
biodegradable choices available on plates and silverware made from abundant
natural resources like starches, calcium carbonate, recycled and natural
fibers. Tablecloths, napkins and other traditionally paper products are available
in these sustainable materials as well. Is it ‘Made in the USA’?
Save what you can for the next gathering. Some items are available at places
like Target and Meijer as well as an abundance online.
Decorations
Use the natural surroundings for ambiance, lighting. Use family photos and
favorite games to dress tables. Be creative and use your garden (or your
mom’s!) for native flowers and decorating items.
To see more challenges, click here.
