RISMEDIA, January 29, 2011—(MCT)—If you are planning to host a Super Bowl party, you may have to deal with trash talking between guests, but you don’t have to deal with bags of trash once the party is over. The following tips will help you host a “green” party, no matter what team you’re rooting for.
You’ll probably be stocking up on most of your party supplies at the grocery store. If beer is on your list, consider trying a few varieties of organic or locally brewed beers. If you’re having a large crowd, renting a keg is both more economical and less wasteful. A full size keg holds the equivalent of 165 12-ounce containers of beer and can be refilled and used over and over again.
For individually packaged beverages of all kinds, the greener choices are ones packaged in aluminum cans. Aluminum is the most valuable and cost effective material that we recycle. Plus, aluminum can be recycled and back on the store shelves as a new product in a matter of weeks. When serving water, the best choice is to provide a pitcher of ice water and reusable glasses for your guests. If bottled water is a must, buy bottles made with less plastic and make sure they get recycled.
Reusable dinnerware and utensils are the least wasteful means of throwing a party, but it’s not always practical. When shopping for the disposable products like napkins and paper towels, look for ones made from recycled paper. Paper plates are a bit trickier, but non-coated ones are your best bet because they break down in the landfill more quickly. There are also fun and eco-friendly plates, bowls, and utensils made from bamboo or other sustainable materials. However, these are easier to find online, so plan ahead.
And of course, there are all the things you’ll be putting on those plates. From carrots and celery sticks to wings and chips, buying in bulk creates less packaging waste and you’ll save money too. Keep a few reusable containers on hand to send leftovers home with your guests.
Don’t forget to make it easy for your guests to recycle. If you have designated recycling bins for things like cans and bottles, they’ll be a lot less likely to end up in the trash.
Go ahead and cheer on your favorite football team without creating a lot of waste. It’s another way to do your part while still enjoying the biggest, and hopefully the best game of the year. Not to mention some pretty entertaining commercials.
(c) 2011 Terri Bennett Enterprises, LLC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
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