This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Community Corner

Throwing Your Next Party? Why Not Make It Green?

Whether you're planning a backyard barbecue, a wedding or your child's birthday party, there are many ways to make your next gathering green—no matter what your style or budget.

Invitations, guests lists, food and music—you have plenty to think about when you’re planning a party.

But have you thought about what you can do to make your next event more environmentally friendly?

Whether you’re planning a backyard barbecue, a wedding, your office’s holiday event or your child’s birthday party, there are many ways to make your next gathering green—no matter what your style or budget.

Find out what's happening in Redwood City-Woodsidewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Paperless Partying

Save trees—and money—with online invitations. While Evite and Facebook’s e-invitations are perfect for a birthday party or barbecue, there are now a number of websites offering online versions of formal invitations for special occasions like baby showers and weddings. At sites like Greenvelope or Paperless Post, your e-card is delivered to your guest’s inbox, where they digitally “open” the envelope, read the invite you designed and RSVP to your event.

Find out what's happening in Redwood City-Woodsidewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

If you prefer a traditional invitation that your guests can hold in their hands, look for invites printed on recycled content or chlorine-free paper.

Organic vs. Local

We all know food is the most important part of any party, but how can you dish up sustainable fare without breaking the bank? Organic food is often more expensive, which makes a difference as your guest list increases.

But don’t worry if your budget doesn’t allow organic; consider serving local, seasonal food instead. Because local food travels fewer miles to reach your plate, it’s often less expensive than food shipped from across the country or globe. So what’s good for the environment—saying no to serving chocolate-covered strawberries in February or roasted butternut squash in July—might be better for your wallet.

If you’re planning on having an event at a local restaurant or bar, check out the Peninsula’s As Fresh As It Gets dining establishments, which source their produce, fish and wines locally. Two restaurants in Redwood City that made the list are and .

Waste Not, Want Not

For the next gathering at your house:

  • Put out recycling bins where guests can toss their empty cans and bottles.
  • Make sure to clearly label all recycling, compost and trash bins—a great activity for the kids.

 

Don’t compost at home but want to get started? Follow these tips from San Mateo County RecycleWorks to set up and maintain your compost bin.

Collecting food scraps for compost at your next party also means you can use paper plates or the compostable tableware available at most grocery stores. If these compostable products end up in the landfill, it will still take years for them to decompose, because landfills are designed to prevent material from breaking down and creating pollution.

The most eco-friendly tableware to use at a party—if you’re up for doing the dishes—is, of course, real plates, glasses and silverware.

When hosting an event outside of your home, at a restaurant or hotel, check with the staff to see if the business has a recycling and food scraps composting program.

Businesses certified by the San Mateo County Green Business Program are guaranteed to have established recycling programs. Redwood City "green businesses" include Applebee's at 1135 Veterans Blvd., Crystal Springs Catering Inc., and Grind Coffee Bar at 1200 El Camino Real.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?