The Vital List: Green Entertaining
Friday, May 25, 2007
Come Monday, it’s official—break out your white pants (if you haven’t already) and break in your flip-flops (no pain, no pretty feet)—‘tis finally the season for BBQs, picnics, clambakes and cocktails. Sustainable entertaining guru Danielle Venokur helps us host in a way that will make guests green with envy. When it comes to entertaining, less (environmental damage) is more!
1
Picn-eco
A table is optional, but sustainable food required. For picnics, pack organic, or better yet, local food from your local farmer's market (avoid excess CO2 emissions)! Proudly label food as sustainable to make for guests with happy tummies and consciences. And since silverware and dishes aren’t always practical, opt for recycled or biodegradable cutlery and plates.
2
Barb-eco
Manning the barbie is a big responsibility … so do it responsibly! Buying a new grill? First choice: go for pure charcoal (requires less energy and reduces CO2). Second choice, make it gas! Debating on a menu? Go light on the beef (carcinogens are bad for air quality).
3
Eco-clambake
Nothing goes better with an alternative lobster bib (think cloth napkin or fabric) than some natural décor. Collect shells from the beach, or flowers from the garden (your garden!) for your clambake. In need of an invitation and evite just won’t do? Go for snail mail, but use a recycled or plantable invite.
4
Eco-cktails
For a chic (and eco-conscious) toast, ditch the paper and plastic cups and go for glasses. Also, try to add at least one organic drink option to your bar. Whether it’s the vodka (Square One), the mixer or your “virgin” offerings (Fizzy Lizzy) … we guarantee your guests will drink to that! (Looking for a new summer cocktail? Try Julie Lerner's tasty recipe for Agave Margaritas.)
October 20th, 2007 at 2:49 pm
Owning an energy-efficient dishwasher that always runs fully loaded is great, but air-drying your dishes after the wash cycle can further reduce power use. Reducing the number of dishes you use will create even greater savings. And what about your dish soap? Is it biodegradable? Accounting for the natural consequences of our decisions can be a full-time job.