We’re all trying to do our part to save this earth:  reusable grocery shopping bags, recycling bins in our homes, non-disposable water bottles.  Whatever you do to play your part, large or small, why not carry that out in the events that you execute?  Here are some tips on how to be eco-conscious when planning your party: 

Online Invitations:  Save trees!  Use event sites such as www.Evite.com , or www.Eventbrite.com if you are incorporating ticket sales into your event, to manage the invitation and RSVP process.  You can choose template forms and artwork from a variety of galleries to create your message.  If you’d like to be even more customized, have a graphic designer create an online flier as the invitation and disseminate it by imbedding it into the email that you send to your guests. 

Consignment Shops:  Yes, customized décor is a way to really make your party stand out.  How about, instead of creating those customized items specifically made just for this event, go out and scour local consignment shops for used items that can be repurposed to create an amazing environment for your party? A perfect vase or antique mirror can be the centerpiece at the party that really makes it pop.  Local goodwill stores, craigslist ads and antique shops are great places to search for décor.  www.eventleftovers.com is another great site to search for items to reuse.  It’s an online marketplace offering opportunities to buy and sell gently used party supplies.

Replace Flowers:  Instead of filling the room with cut flowers, try filling glass vases with fruits (oranges, lemons or apples make a beautiful impression; pomegranates can be used for a “trendier” look) – these can be eaten later on.  Or grab some fallen branches or fallen pinecones and use those as centerpieces instead.

Farmers Markets:  While this particular tip doesn’t help to reduce trash, it does help to encourage healthier eating choices, while also supporting local farmers.  When deciding what your menu for your party will be, consider using non-processed foods.  Go to your local farmers market for inspiration.  Take in all of the beautiful vegetables, fruits, jams, fruit drinks, etc.  The healthiest food items are the ones that come from the ground.  For healthy recipes for your party, ask our Executive Chef!  Shoot us an email and we’ll be happy to put you in touch. 

Parting Gifts:   Giveaways are always nice surprises for your guests.  Either give your guests an item that they can really make use of over and over again (i.e. for your corporate guests, a USB drive or a plant for their office makes a nice present), or leave them with something edible – chocolates or mini-cakes perhaps?  If you’re looking for a smart way to package your giveaway while still reducing trash, why not package them in a reusable bag, much like a reusable grocery bag, but smaller?  Here’s great site to find smart packaging:  www.reusablebags.com/  .  The site is also a great resource with lists on other ways to do your part to save the planet. 

Have additional ideas that have worked for you, to share with our audience?  If so, write us back in the comment section below – we’d love to hear them!