EVENTS GONE GREEN: How to make your event green

Take your event green with these easy ideas!

Location, Location, Location!!
Choose a simple site that does not need much decorating in itself.
· A garden (I love Hakone Gardens)
· Your best friends newly done back yard (it will also be a great compliment to your friend!)
· A church, hall, or even a historic library (Sex in the City style) with beautiful architecture
Encourage guest to carpool or use alternative ways to get to an event.

Invitations VS. E-vitations
If possible use “evites” for your invitations
Check out: http://www.smilebox.com/, http://www.mypunchbowl.com/, http://www.evite.com/, or http://www.sendomatic.com/
If you MUST use mail invitation or more formal invites use recycled invitations. They also have invites that your guests can plant!

MMMM Food
Of course go organic and work with your caterer to use locally grown foods!
But also….
Call your local food bank and see if they will come and pick up the left overs.

Tableware – Uhhhh DUH!
· USE your OWN! (or the Caterers)
· Use cloth napkins
· Use coasters instead of cocktail napkins. (I love these)
· If you must use plastic or paper please recycle!

Ahhhh The Way Mother Nature Intended
Use living décor
· Moss
· Trees
· Succulents
· Stones
· Plants
· Organic flowers
You can contact your local nursery to inquire about renting these items. If you choose to buy send some home with guests!

Lights, Camera, Action
· Use digital Cameras – Pretty much everyone has a digital camera these days so please no throw away camera. Ask your friend in the invitation to participate in your party by sending you the photos they shoot at your party – you will be surprised by all the great shots you get (FREE!)
· Use online scrapbooks and websites to share your photos! Check out http://www.howfasttheygrow.com/
· Use as much daylight as possible – then save energy with candles!
· If you must use the real light use compact fluorescents

Don’t for get to RRR
Remember to make it easy to recycle by marking bins clearly. If you have a bartender make sure he has a process to recycle his goods and wares as well.

Have fun and do something nice for the biggest hostess with the mostess – Mother Earth!