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Parties with Eco-Flair
2010-00-28 


Between weddings, galas and sweet-sixteens, Long Islanders do their share of partying. It’s all good fun, but everything from the invites to the  appetizers take a big toll on the environment. Planned differently, your party can still be memorable and with
a smaller impact on the environment.

GOOD:
A simple way to green any event is with
eco-friendly invitations. Search the net for the “tree free” or recycled variety to find greenfieldpaper.com, invitesite.com, and many others. Remember to print note cards that tell guests about your event’s eco-flair.

BETTER:
Food at catered events requires a lot of fuel and other resources for their transport and preparation. Rarely is it all consumed, which means the eco-impact is worsened by waste. If a cocktail hour is a must, consider fewer food items, selections with locally grown ingredients and dishes that can be made without heat.

BEST:
Nothing says elegance like flowers but orchids, birds of paradise and other tropical flowers travel long distances from warmer climates. Your tables needn’t be bare to be green. Use flowers that grow locally, like lilacs, mint, callalilies, and roses. Also consider creative centerpieces like potted plants, cupcakes, candles, and fresh fruit.

The Green Bride Guide has hundreds of quality choices for outfitting an eco-chic wedding. www.thegreenbrideguide.com

Choose local wines for your special affair. We are lucky to have ready access to wonderful local winemakers like Pindar, Peconic Bay and Shinn Estate. Find a full listing at www.liwines.com

One Simple Thing:
Put the number to LI’s major food rescue organization in your phone book so they can coordinate pick-up and safe distribution of unused food from your next event: Island Harvest, Garden City (516)294-8528



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