smart living

Throw a
Green Party
Ten Eco-Chic Ideas
By Lisa Borden

N 
ot to be a party pooper, but
the typical celebration seems
to showcase too much of
what’s wrong with our world: unhealthy
habits and throwing tons of things away,
including lots of your money. There’s a
way to have your (organic) cake, and eat
it too, without adversely affecting our
health and the world.
When planning your next big (or
small) party, try something new, go
2  If you’ve got it, flaunt it.
You know all of that serving stuff
you’ve got? Use it! You might have to
Put utensils with each dish so people
can spoon out or fork over the food
instead of reaching their hands in. And
out of your zone to bring a little green do a little extra cleanup at the end of certainly, no double dipping!
in, and relax because you know you’ve the night, but isn’t saving the world
done the best you can do. Each and
every time you plan an event, you’ll do
more that’s ‘eco’ and intelligent, not
worth a few extra minutes? Also, use
cups, NOT individual cans or bottles
of water. Fill and refill as needed with
4  Cups have personality too.
You can prevent M.C.I.S. – Mis-
taken Cup Identity Syndrome (you
out of obligation, but because it’ll make your choices of beverages….water, or- know, when someone takes a cup and
sense to you, and, it’s actually fun. ganic juices, wines (VQA, please!) and puts it down next to another, and then
Green bashing starts with the organic spirits. See tip four, if you’re both people have to get new cups or
following 10 smart party tips and the still going to use some disposables. inadvertently drink from each others?).
result will be an eco-fun, and more If you are using disposables - buy cups
importantly, a most impressive event.
3  Sharing is caring? Not for
everything.
made from recycled or sustainable ma-
terials (there are many options labeled

1  Invite your guests virtually. While sharing is one of those first

Skip the printed paper cards and save “kind” lessons we learn as kids, there
trees! E-mailed invites (try www.paperless- are many exceptions. It goes without
“biodegradable,” “compostable” and
“100 percent recycled content”). Simply
have everyone label their cup with
post.com) still allow you to be clever, com- saying that there should be no shar- a marker (people get really creative
municate a theme and offer the bonus of ing of eating utensils, drinking glasses, sometimes!). You can also use window
having your RSVPs logged online. But, if towels or other personal care items. markers to write on your own glassware
you love spending extra time (really?!?), Community food is, um, gross. Dishes (it will come off in the wash, but not
you can make your own cards from re- of pretzels or candy that people reach on your guests’ hands), or better yet, a
cycled magazines, newspapers, wrapping into for a nibble are germier than you different accent coloured glass straw in
paper, etc. or use tree-free paper. can imagine (don’t ask for more details). everyone’s drinks – serving double

tonic | June 2010 | 43

duty as identification and eliminating a local and organic menu, you will no look great, smell great and everyone
those plastic straws or stir sticks.  longer worry about what’s proven good will remember your great party each
or bad with regards to organic certifi- time they enjoy their as-local-as-you-

5  Blow them away!

Use organic soy or 100 percent,
cations, you’ll simply enjoy. You’ll not
only have pesticide- and chemical- and
get eating from their home.

made in Canada beeswax candles in

your cake (and around your home if
you choose to burn them). It’s impor-
tant to also check to make sure the
wicks are lead and zinc free, which,
unlike petroleum-based candles, won’t
emit toxic fumes and black clouds.
fertilizer- and hormone-free eats, but
buying local means your real food has
traveled a short distance (versus thou-
10   You’ve reduced, you’ve re-
sands of miles) to get to your party (us-
ing less fuel)…and chances are, you’ll
also impress and inspire your guests.
used, now recycle!  
Check absolutely everything you’re
about to throw away to see if you can
use it again (even if it’s to send home
extra food with a guest). If you can’t
use it, make sure everything goes in

6   Bake it, don’t fake it.

From scratch, or a mix, bake your
own cake. I won’t preach here about
the avoidance of fake stuff and adopt-
ing “cleaner” food…oops, did I just do
that? Even the “best” bakeries use over
processed and synthetic ingredients.
If you’ve never tried LPK Culinary in
Leslieville, I would strongly suggest
you do!
8  Ask, and you shall receive.
Think about the presents you
might receive, and the garbage they
create. Do you really need what you
might be receiving? Consider request-
ing simple presence instead of presents,
a donation to a charity that means
something to you, or even request that times with your friends and families -
everyone bring their favourite wine or
dessert. Unwrapped, of course.
the right “place” and gets recycled.
And, be sure to use polyethylene-free
compostable and biodegradable gar-
bage bags! Remember, when you throw
things away, there really isn’t an “away.”
Here’s wishing that you share great
raise a glass and toast to good health
for all, including our world!

7  Go local. And organic.

Once you experience the slow food
movement, shop at organic farmers’
markets, read product labels, and plan
9  So you’ve reduced, now reuse.
Buy herb, berry or veggie plants
to decorate your space, and then give
them away as parting gifts or loot
bags…without the bag! Your decor will
Lisa Borden
~ is an eco-advocate, whose marketing business,
Borden Communications + Design is a direct
reflection of her commitment to better, more
responsible living. lisa@bordencom.com

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