“Green” your big bash

When throwing a party, you’ll need all the necessary elements: food, paper plates, plastic cups and silverware. But what happens to all of  that food and dishware after all of the guests have left? According to the Clean Air Council, 43,000 tons of food is thrown out in the United States everyday. As for those cups, plates and silverware, Americans throw away enough of this stuff to circle the equator 300 times. But with a few of the right party planning ideas and a little creativity, you can make your party eco-friendly.

Opt for recycled invites
Before you send out those invitations, make sure you’re using recycled paper. With these earth-friendly invitations, both you and your guests will never know the difference!

Use paper decorations
When decorating for your party, try to stray from plastic pieces and opt for paper instead. One of my favorite ways to decorate a space is with paper lanterns. They’re available in virtually every color and provide just the right amount of warm light – on top of being environmentally friendly! Unlike balloons, these decor pieces will stick around for awhile and are easily recyclable.

Check out local food options
Go take a look at your nearest farmers’ market to see if they have any seasonal foods ready. There will often be plenty of yummy fresh fruits and veggies to pick from. Some don’t even require a bowl! Watermelon, for example, can be cut in half and scooped out, providing both a delicious snack and a handy watermelon basket.