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By: Sandra Ann Harris Founder, ECOlunchbox July 2014
As summertime begins and families head to the beach, the park, the mountains and other favorite spots in the great outdoors, it’s a good time to remember there are easy ways to celebrate our love of Mother Nature by throwing a green party.
Step 1: Location, Location, Location
Pick a picnic spot you can walk, bike or boat to or arrive by public transit. If that’s not possible, carpool with friends.
Step 2: Choose an Eco-friendly Invitations
Step 2: Choose an Eco-friendly Invitations
Whether throwing a baby shower, a beach party, birthday picnic or backyard BBQ, you have to let your guests know about the green fun you’re planning in eco-friendly style! If it’s a neighborhood party, print invites on recycled paper and personally hand them to guests. Or use electronic invitations, which are convenient and don’t waste paper.
Step 3: Green Menu Planning
Great produce makes the chef’s job super easy. Think simple. Finger foods like cut fruit, nuts, local honey and peanut butter sandwiches are simple and nourishing for all ages. Also, some cheeses, like brie and Camembert, are lovely softened in the sun over fresh-baked bread.
Farmer’s markets have the freshest and tastiest fruits and vegetables available from the area. Organic products are hormone and pesticide-free, making them safe to eat.
Make your own beverage and serve it in a plastic-free pitcher. That way you don’t have to deal with all the cans and bottles.
Step 4: Waste-Free Dinnerware
Say goodbye to throw-aways and plastics. Ask picnickers to B-Y-O dishes, water bottles, utensils, etc. This can be done tastefully if you explain you’re hosting a zero-waste party and need some help to accomplish this.
If that’s not your style, pack a sturdy cardboard box with reusable items to share with your invitees, such as non-breakable stainless steel picnic plates, reusable bamboo utensils, reusable straws, washable cotton napkins and sturdy mason jars for use as cups.
Sure, you may have to do some washing, but much of this stuff will naturally decompose. Plus, you’re saving money by going waste free.
Step 5: Showcase Mother Nature
Step 5: Showcase Mother Nature
Nature’s beauty is inspiring when it comes to setting the table eco-style. Leaves, flowers, pine cones, twigs, seashells and other natural treasures can be showcased at your eco-friendly BBQ or green beach party.
Step 6: Clean up!
Step 6: Clean up!
Clearly mark bins for recycling, compost and waste for your guests. Since most public parks don’t separate waste and your efforts will end up in the trash, toss your separated bags into the trunk to put out with your trash pickup at home.
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Super ideas and I love how easy it would be to decorate using nature and things around you
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When we picnic or eat on the go, I try to have everything as close to ready to eat as possible. Cut up into portions, everyone has their items together, etc. I like the idea of the stainless steel containers. We have switched over to glass for most of our items. But taking glass on the go is an iffy prospect for me and I am quite the klutz.
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We live out in a rural area and have a few acres, so we can throw a green summer picnic party in our yard. The ideas you’ve shared make for a much classier affair than one that’s not as Eco-friendly. A zero-waste party would be a challenge, but fun to try. I’m working on reducing everyday waste around my home. With lots of parties in my family’s future, reducing party waste (and costs) is on my mind.
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I love the idea of throwing a “green” summer party, esp. bringing the stainless steel containers.
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These are great tips! Love those lunch boxes too!! … I didn’t even know they made stainless plates!! So cool!
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