Photo credit: NatalieMaynor via Foter.com / CC BY

It’s the middle of winter.  The holidays have passed.  For some, a normal seasonal depression may set in.  The solution?  Throw an eco-friendly party!

What’s an eco-friendly party?  Any gathering of friends and family where the food is organic and healthy, there are little or no disposables (and if they are they are eco-friendly), and perhaps there is a green theme to the festivities can be considered eco-friendly.

Eco-friendly party tip:  Serve organic food and beverages

Organically-grown food and beverages are better for the earth and better for our health.  Simply cutting up organic fruits and veggies (what my grandmother called rabbit food), putting out bowls of organic nuts, or buying premade deli foods from your local coop or health food store is an easy way to feed your guests.

You can also throw an organic potluck setting a parameter like gluten-free or vegan!   Creating rules like only new recipes with copies to share helps everyone learn and try new yummy foods!

Don’t forget about the beverages!  There a many good organic beers now, and organic wine has come a long way too.  You may have to do some research on sustainable wine, as not all organic vineyards clearly mention it on their labels since organic wine used to have a bad reputation.  The wine industry uses a lot of Roundup, so if you are are against the evil corporation Monsanto, be sure to select organically-grown vintners.

For non-alcoholic drinks, try making your own infused soda water drinks or have a large pot of herbal tea handy.  Don’t forget the water!  A pitcher of water will encourage all guests to hydrate.  There are also many sparkling apple and grape drinks available that are non-alcoholic.

Eco-friendly party tip: Just say no to disposables or use green ones

I have been to several parties with over 50 guests where there were no disposables at all!   These parties were outside, and wash bins were set up for guests.  The hosts weren’t left with an overwhelming task of clean up for that many place settings.

You might not have enough plates, utensils, and cups for your guest list.  One alternative is to ask guests to bring their own. This is standard practice in the small mountain community I live in.

Disposables are easier. I admit to using them when throwing big barn parties.  If you must use them, make sure they are green.  There are many eco-friendly alternatives to plastic forks and paper plates.  From recycled content to paper-free options, it’s easy to throw an eco-friendly party.

We were sent two great disposable options for your eco-friendly party:

Eco-Products 10″ 3-Compartment Sugarcane Plate

• Made from 100% renewable and reclaimed resources
• Made with sugarcane, a rapidly renewable resource
• Meet ASTM standards for compostability
• Grease and cut resistant
• Freezer safe

• Made from 100% renewable resources
• Made with PLA, a plant-based plastic
• Meets ASTM standards for compostability
• Crystalized formulation adds strength and heat tolerance
• Handles are now 95% stronger and fork tines are 20% stronger
• Heat tolerance of 200° F