SIMPLE, SUSTAINABLE PARTIES

[FOR DONORS… AND OTHERS ]Jessica R. Kratz

NYSOEA Conference

October 2011

OVERVIEW

A little extra “behind the scenes” magic can make your party truly magical

A party can in fact complement your organization’s mission and actually be a platform to better showcase that mission to [potential] donors and stakeholders

There are many components that come into play before, during, and after the party that help you “walk the walk”

BEFORE THE PARTY

“Preparation is the key to success and victory”-General Douglas A. McArthur

Choose wisely -purchase, rent, or, obtain reusable table

linens -choose fresh, seasonal ingredients for the

menu [local farmers markets can be ideal] -purchase greener cleaning products [and

make your own]

TABLE LINENS

Ideally, in a color/pattern complementary to décor and season

TABLE LINENS

Second-hand cool [someone else’s trash can be your find!]

FRESH, SEASONAL INGREDIENTS Choose items grown or near your site Fall is especially a great time for sustainable

harvest items You may wish to include, on paint chips or

other decorative reused paper, where the food is from and how many carbon miles the food traveled

[if you grow some of the ingredients on site, even better!]

Vegetarian fare is cost-effective and planet-friendly

Photo credit: http://nj.org/apple_picking.html

SEASONAL INGREDIENTS: SO MUCH TO CHOOSE FROM!

From my local farmers market: this can make a menu from heaven:

http://www.historicrichmondtown.org/decker-farm

Pumpkin blossoms, Pumpkins, Kale, Tuscan kale, Mustard greens, Tomatillos, Calabaza, Butternut squash, Tomatoes

Herbs: Sage, Lemon balm, Basil, Rosemary, Lavender, Tarragon, Greek and Italian oregano

Domestic produce: Figs, Heirloom apples, Jersey Macintosh apples, assorted pears, Garlic, Purple potatoes, Red potatoes, Fingerlings,

Red and white onions, Leeks, Cippolini, Purple cauliflower, Beets

Assorted mushrooms

GREEN CLEANING PRODUCTS

The top 3 natural cleaners you may already have

-lemons -baking soda-vinegar

Other tips:-Use microfiber cleaning wipes-Use scrubbers made of natural fibers-Look for the EPA “Design for the Environment”

symbol when purchasing store-bought cleaners

PLATING TO PERFECTION

Reusable ceramic plates and silverware is a great way to go

Compostware can be a reasonable alternative for picnics etc.

-bioplastic -bamboo -paper fiber

CENTERPIECES AND TABLE SETTINGS

Another great way to “walk the walk” A place to showcase what your staff has

been doing [i.e., holiday craft workshops]

STAFF CRAFT SHOWCASE

Nature Mandala from summer camp: can be wall hanging, auction item, or miniaturized into a coaster

Mosaic Garden tile from a family craft workshop: would make a nice coaster, centerpiece, or trivet

MORE IDEAS: COST-EFFECTIVE AND CLASSY

Wine cork reindeer Sweet gum ball wreath Pomanders Decorated pumpkins Cinnamon sticks around a Candle Ferns and/or autumn leaves laminated in

placemats Homemade cloth, leather, or magazine

coasters Found natural objects in vases or bowls

SCENT-SATIONAL!

There are many ways to make your event smell terrific, naturally

Freshly-baked pies Boil fruits, herbs, and spices [cloves and

cinnamon work especially well] Combine lemon zest with baking soda for a

natural air freshener -essential oils in reed diffusers or warm,

moist towletttes

Lavender (Wikimedia commons)

SU$TAINABLE AUCTIONS Encourage practical items that can be consumed

and/or re-used Items relating to organization’s mission/ideals Consider donating your wine corks after the event

to your staff as craft materials or placing them for bid or sale on eBay Charitable Works

Painted rain barrel. NAAEE Buffalo 2010

Signed Book and Theme Basket, NYSOEA 2011: bid soon!

RECOMMENDED CRAFT MATERIALS

Biodegradable plastic or shredded paper for baskets Cork Cardboard Bird seed [great for mandalas, mosaics, etc] Soy candle wax Pine cones Found objects [buttons, bottle caps, rocks, etc] Hot glue gun Cinnamon sticks [eBay is a great source] Cork Bamboo Felt [with recycled fibers] FOAM IS A FAUX PAUX

LET’S GET CRAFTY!