This is the age of disposable commodities. Products sold today are created in large volume and not necessarily made to last. Once they break down, they are simply thrown out and replacements are purchased anew. The disposal process seems simple as well: Dig a landfill, dump in the refuse, and cover it up – or pour it into the nearest ocean. But this simple solution is leading to a complex problem: Too many landfills containing non-biodegradable and sometimes even toxic content are harming the environment. The buildup of chemical and industrial waste in ocean waters is reaching concerning proportions.
The “Green” movement is here to stay and should be taken seriously if the planet is to continue to thrive. Think about the environment next time you plan a party. So much of the party décor – the paper plates, plastic utensils, even the trash bags you fill when it’s all over – ends up in a landfill. Here are some great ideas for planning a green party.
Party Plan
Every great party starts with a reason that spawns an idea that generates a plan. The reason may be it’s your son’s 7th birthday or your daughter wants her engagement party in the back yard. Maybe you just love to entertain friends and have a good time! Decide what your theme will be and use the theme as your guide for making planning decisions – such as what color palette will work and how many people will be invited. Brainstorm and prioritize a detailed to-do list.
Airborne Ideas
When you think of a party, balloons naturally come to mind. Party hosts often purchase large bouquets of helium balloons for decoration and release them into the sky. There’s something a little magical about watching them slowly drift out of view, wondering how far they will travel and who will see them. Releasing balloons is dramatic and creates a memorable moment. But consider that it also releases non-biodegradable material into the atmosphere that will later pollute the earth because, eventually, those balloons must and will come down … somewhere. Using helium balloons also depletes the earth’s helium supply.
Releasing lit Chinese lanterns into the air is another popular practice but those paper lanterns can land among dry leaves or drift into an area where they can start fires or cause burn injuries to persons or animals.
Instead, create a dramatic airborne alternative with a release of doves. Contact a local because their doves are specially trained to return to their owners, no matter where they are released.
Creatively Green Ideas
Stay away from plastics and items you can only use once. Consider party items made from seed paper. is a company that provides creative items printed on bio-degradable recycled paper embedded with seeds that will sprout into vegetable plants, herbs, or wildflowers, approved for planting around the world. When the party is over, you and your guests can bury the invitations, place cards, nametags, and other seed paper materials in your gardens and reap an herbal harvest!
Natural lighting for your event is the best and most eco-friendly lighting of all. Imagine the warmth and light of natural sunshine pouring down on your garden party. For an evening event, try using artisan-made candles. Nothing like candlelight to create a mood. And you’ll be supporting the world of crafts made by hand. If you need more light, you can save on electricity by using battery operated lights. Replace large spotlights with a self-contained fire pit or use strings of low-energy Christmas tree lights. A slide show on BizBash features a photo from a winter in Japan. The night sky is alive with a 200 meter tunnel made from millions of twinkling energy-efficient LEDs.
Eat green by serving organic foods at your event. Support local business by finding a catering company specializing in vegan meals or foods prepared with steroid-free and other chemical free ingredients. This will save your guests from the chemical preservatives in processed foods are sold in non-biodegradable containers – and perhaps awaken your guests’ taste buds to a new way of eating!
Decorate with recycled items. Visit local consignment shops for interesting items to support your selected theme. These can be great places to find inexpensive items. Another’s thrift shop discards may be your treasure as you prepare for your event.
Share the Green Love
Tell your guests about the steps you took to entertain green and encourage them to share the love. Let them know a green event doesn’t have to be expensive – it can actually save them money! Write about it on your blog and post it on FaceBook. Take some great photos and share them on or Instagram. Start your own movement to live green and preserve the earth. Enjoy your party!
Dick Nelson, CEO of , has worked in the industry for nearly 30 years. Dick has never thought of his work as work, but rather as an intriguing place to spend his working hours. Away from the workplace, he enjoys playing golf, much of the time with his wife, and spending time with his children and grandchildren when he can.
Featured images:
- Light Bulb with a Tree - License: Creative Commons
- Doves - License: Creative Commons
