Earth day is April 22^nd, and April is Earth Month. It is a good time for a friendly reminder to think about how you can make sustainable choices. Plus, now that summer is near, we have compiled five simple ways to go green at your summer soiree! There is no better way to kick off the festivities than a gathering with friends and family. With the warm sun and soft grass finally making an appearance, outdoor occasions are especially welcome. This gives everyone a chance to celebrate nature and one another. And, with the go-green trend becoming more and more popular, you want to do your part as a host when planning your next event.

Use Eco-Friendly Plates and Tableware

One of the easiest ways to limit your carbon footprint is to use environmentally friendly tableware. Now, it’s understandable to want to impress your guests with elegant and stylish plates, utensils, and glasses. Still, there is a common misconception that disposable and biodegradable tableware is unflattering or cheap. A wide variety of eco-safe dishes are available, from porcelain-like appearances to supplies made from various woods.

Choose Reusable Napkins

Another simple way to have a chic and Earth-safe celebration is to use cloth napkins. There are available in various materials, including cotton and linen. You can choose your style, color, and pattern to fit your party’s theme and create a beautiful tablescape. After dinner is over, you can wash these napkins for later uses or let your guests take personalized ones home as gifts to remind them of the memories that you made together.

Buy Local Produce and Meats

Give the best, most mouthwatering foods to delight their eyes and tongues. The basis of any great dish is the fresh ingredients. Keep it local by buying produce and meats from farmer’s markets and small butchers. Not only will this help serve the agricultural community in the area, but this food is often less expensive than organic options at your grocery store. To go even more green, avoid meat completely and purchase local produce. 

Create Adorable and Organic Décor

Use produce to create unique and natural decorations. For example, instead of purchasing centerpieces for your tables, make them from arrangements of fruits. You can even cut and display the berries or cuts of melon to look like a bouquet– and if you don’t have time to do it, you can order an arrangement. Another charming decorating idea is to make place cards out of vegetables. Simply choose veggies, such as carrots or brussel sprouts, and cut them to have a flat bottom and a slit to hold the cards.

Reuse or Recycle

The final way to help limit your gathering’s environmental impact is to recycle all of the supplies that you cannot reuse or are not biodegradable or compostable. Recycling materials is the best way to eliminate unwanted plastics, glass, and some types of cardboard at any event, whether it’s a beautiful backyard wedding, engagement party, or baby shower. The greenest option is to use things you already have or things that can be reused. 

Creating an Earth-safe event is much easier than thinking with these five simple steps. Tell us what you think? Have some other ideas and elements you can add to your summer party! We’d love to hear about it.

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