Green Party

Make your next fiesta a green gathering by following these tips to live it up while minimizing your eco-impact. Let the party planning begin with chic, 100 percent post-consumer recycled paper invitations. The colorful, whimsically designed cards from Seltzer, a New York company that also uses vegetable-based ink and sustainable business practices, will impress and amuse your guests. To go completely paper-free without spoiling the fun of receiving a proper invitation, send your guests an electronic invitation through Evite.

It wouldn’t be an eco-party without fresh, local, and organic food and drinks. Many caterers use local and organic ingredients, but if you can’t find an organic caterer in your area, find inspiration for your menu from such caterers as Back to Earth in San Francisco or Seedling Organic Catering and do the cooking yourself. Some grocery stores, such as Whole Foods Market, also offer local catering services. Request that your catering order be delivered in re-usable containers (or offer your own platters and serving ware) in place of disposable containers.

If using your own washable dishes, linens, and cutlery is not an option, use biodegradable plastic plates, cups, and cutlery. Try EarthShell plates and plastic cups (made from corn), or Spudware utensils (made from biodegradable potato starch). In addition, Seventh Generation also makes an array of 100-percent recycled paper items to lessen your party’s environmental impact.

Decorate with festive party lights, like the Mess O’ Stars string lights (made with LED bulbs, of course), or use natural soy wax candles to create a warm glow around your guests. Try Pacifica soy wax candles, which come in a variety of seasonal scents to set the party mood.