Top Ten Tips for a Waste-Free Holiday Party
Now that we’re only a week away from Christmas we’re well into ‘Holiday Party’ season. How green have you been? Check out these tips I found at the City of Portland Bureau of Planning and Sustainability website (www.portlandonline.com):
- Avoid disposables. Instead, use dishes, utensils, glasses and serving dishes made of glass, metal or sturdy plastic that can be washed and reused year after year.
- If you use a caterer, ask that they provide reusable dishes; or, biodegradable paper plates and utensils they can take back to their kitchen’s compost barrel.
- Take advantage of the delicious food available locally. Buying regionally grown food reduces CO2 emissions and supports the local economy.
- Consider your guest list when preparing or ordering food so you’ll have the food people most enjoy in the right quantities.
- Put recycling and food waste boxes or buckets in plain sight where guests can easily see and use them.
- Donate unopened food and beverages, and any leftover food prepared in a commercial kitchen.
- Ask guests to bring Tupperware containers for taking home leftovers.
- Use the same decorations year after year, such as pinecones dusted with glitter, colorful ornaments and serving baskets.
- Recycle party platters purchased from delis and grocery stores. (They aren’t acceptable curbside, but there are local recyclers and a few grocers that accept them.)
- Celebrate community. Get friends together to volunteer at the local food bank or at a local shelter; coordinate a blanket or coat drive; make food baskets for gifts.
Happy Holidays!