8/9/2019 June 2010 - Throw a Green Party

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tonic|June 2010| 43

smart living

Not to be a party pooper, butthe typical celebration seemsto showcase too much of

whats wrong with our world: unhealthyhabits and throwing tons of things away,including lots of your money. Theres a

way to have your (organic) cake, and eatit too, without adversely affecting ourhealth and the world.

When planning your next big (or

small) party, try something new, goout of your zone to bring a little greenin, and relax because you know youvedone the best you can do. Each andevery time you plan an event, youll domore thats eco and intelligent, notout of obligation, but because itll makesense to you, and, its actually fun.

Green bashing starts with thefollowing 10 smart party tips and theresult will be an eco-fun, and moreimportantly, a most impressive event.

1Invite your guests virtually.Skip the printed paper cards and savetrees! E-mailed invites (trywww.paperless-post.com) still allow you to be clever, com-municate a theme and offer the bonus ofhaving your RSVPs logged online. But, if

you love spending extra time (really?!?),you can make your own cards from re-cycled magazines, newspapers, wrappingpaper, etc. or use tree-free paper.

2I youve got it, faunt it.You know all of that serving stuffyouve got? Use it! You might have todo a little extra cleanup at the end ofthe night, but isnt saving the world

worth a few extra minutes? Also, usecups, NOT individual cans or bottlesof water. Fill and rell as needed with

your choices of beverages.water, or-ganic juices, wines (VQA, please!) andorganic spirits. See tip four, if yourestill going to use some disposables.

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Sharing is caring? Not or

everything.While sharing is one of those rstkind lessons we learn as kids, thereare many exceptions. It goes withoutsaying that there should be no shar-ing of eating utensils, drinking glasses,towels or other personal care items.Community food is, um, gross. Dishesof pretzels or candy that people reachinto for a nibble are germier than youcan imagine (dont ask for more details).

Put utensils with each dish so peoplecan spoon out or fork over the food

instead of reaching their hands in. Andcertainly, no double dipping!

4Cups have personality too.You can prevent M.C.I.S. Mis-taken Cup Identity Syndrome (youknow, when someone takes a cup andputs it down next to another, and thenboth people have to get new cups orinadvertently drink from each others?).If you are using disposables - buy cupsmade from recycled or sustainable ma-

terials (there are many options labeledbiodegradable, compostable and100 percent recycled content). Simplyhave everyone label their cup witha marker (people get really creativesometimes!). You can also use windowmarkers to write on your own glassware(it will come off in the wash, but noton your guests hands), or better yet, adifferent accent coloured glass straw ineveryones drinks serving double

Throw aGreen PartyTen Eco-Chic IdeasBy Lisa Borden

8/9/2019 June 2010 - Throw a Green Party

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