Go green with an eco New Year’s Eve party.

14/09/2007

More and more we are becoming aware of how we can live our lives everyday with the least impact on the earth. Continue living consciously with an eco New Year’s Eve party. Have a carbon neutral or low impact eco New Year’s Eve party this year for a healthy start to the year, for both the earth and you and your family.

Whether you are having your New Year’s Eve party at home or at local venue here are a few ideas on how to throw an eco-friendly New Year’s Eve celebration.

Instead of sending traditional paper invitations send your New Year’s Eve party invitations via email. This will save paper, trees and the expense of postage. If you would still like your guests to have a hard copy invitation use recycled paper for both the invitation and the envelope and ask them to recycle it after the event.

Check your heating before your guests arrive. Turn down your thermostat to save energy and lower your power bill costs. A large group of people in one room will generate enough heat for you all to feel comfortable, especially if there is dancing.

Swap to energy efficient light bulbs, which last 10 times longer than traditional light bulbs. You can save about £7 per year per light bulb, which will make a big difference to your electricity bill. Instead of using twinkling fairy lights outside use small solar powered lights to light the way to your New Year’s Eve party.

In the invitation to your guests ask them to car pool or take public transport (if available) to get to the party. This will cut down on the carbon dioxide emissions being pumped into the atmosphere.

For cups, cutlery and plates stay clear of plastic. Using plastic plates, cutlery and paper napkins will just create unnecessary waste. Use glass cups, ceramic plates and bowls, metal cutlery and cloth napkins that you can wash. If you are short on numbers purchase more from your local second hand store. This way you are re-using products that have already been made and are ready to be used rather than adding more products to the earth.

If you are not keen on all the washing up you can purchase cups, plates and cutlery made from biodegradable corn starch or bamboo that will easily break down in landfill in a about a month.

Go organic for the menu. Use local, organic produce for your New Year’s Eve party food. Visit your local farmer’s market and research organic producers. Ask them what will be available for New Year’s Eve. Use organic produce for simple and delicious finger foods. Not only will this cut down on packaging but will give your guests a more nutritious and tasty meal.

Get your decorations locally too. Seasonal plants, trees and flowers that can come straight from your garden (or your friends’ and families’) can be used in and around your New Year’s Eve party venue as garlands, floating in water or place on the table as a centrepiece. If there isn’t much around use potted herbs and houseplants such as the Peace Lily for some greenery. Be creative about what items you already have that you can recycle into decorations. Old ribbons, buttons and wrapping paper can be turned into streamers or cut up the paper to make confetti.

When cleaning up ensure that you recycle everything that you can, compost organic material and use the dishwasher for a more energy efficient wash cycle.

If you want to give party favours to your guests purchase organic cotton fibre bags that they can reuse and fill with the latest eco-friendly cleaning products that are healthier for your guests and the environment.

If you are not having your New Year’s Eve party at home ask your venue about their green policies and systems. Talk to them about how they handle waste and whether they use organic, local produce for the catering. Try and find a venue that is as eco-friendly as possible or come up with ways that you can reduce your impact with the venue. Cut down on lighting, ensure waste is composted and recycled and do your own entertainment.

You and your guests can still have a fun and memorable New Year’s Eve party while looking after the environment. Make the earth your number one New Year resolution. Start living a low impact, eco friendly life to ensure a healthy earth for years to come.