If you are like many people, you probably like hosting or attending parties for holidays, birthdays, or simply because the weather is nice. These gatherings are exciting for the people in attendance, but they can also be harmful to the environment due to the large amount of waste produced. Fortunately, you can take several steps to ensure that your parties are green without being any less fun. Here are the top three ways to make your parties eco-friendly.
Use Compostable Cutlery
Compostable cutlery can be disposed of in any regular compost bin. These forks, knives, and spoons are completely biodegradable, so they will never need take up space in your trash bins or in a landfill. When paired with biodegradable plates and bowls, these Earth-friendly utensils will help you reduce the amount of trash produced at parties and other gatherings. These utensils also appear the same as others, so do not be afraid that you will bother your guests with this green choice.
Move Your Parties Outdoors
Especially during the summer months, a large gathering of people inside a single home or building can cause a hot and humid indoor climate. This requires air conditioning units to work twice as hard to cool the building. Since this uses a large amount of energy, this can contribute to a variety of issues such as pollution and over-consumption. If you move your parties to an outdoor patio or pavilion, you can avoid the air conditioning issue entirely. You can compensate for the heat with energy-efficient fans and cool beverages. You can also choose to move the party to a river, lake, or pool if it is too hot for lounging on land.
Buy Local Foods
When you shop from the grocery store, you are likely buying foods from across the United States and world. This contributes to many activities that harm the environment such as polluting transportation practices and packaging that produces excess waste. By buying from locals and farmers within your state, you can avoid contributing to pollution while supporting those around you. Unlike the companies that stock grocery stores, these local food providers also tend to sell meat, fruits, and vegetables that are at peak freshness. Your guests will also certainly appreciate your efforts to give high-quality food.