Have a greener outdoor summer party

Outdoor summer entertaining can have a carbon footprint. However, there are a few easy ways to lessen your impact. When you entertain outside this month, challenge yourself to:
• Use a natural gas grill instead of charcoal
• Turn off unused indoor lights
• Use regular dishware, napkins, tablecloths, and utensils (instead of disposable)
• Serve a local and organic menu
• Apply a DEET-free mosquito repellent

If you have other ideas, share them with everyone here!


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6 comments
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kathygwyn1
Posted May 26, 2008 at 10:17 AM

Always use regular dinner ware for economy. Propane grill for several years. Tonight’s menu uses minimal prepared foods. Cooking from “scratch” is best tasting anyway. Party before dark to save on lighting.

User_thumb
Posted May 26, 2008 at 08:54 PM

We BBQed corn in the husk minus the silk, tomatoes, peppers, and fish on the gas grill outside. Servered on normal plates. Lemonade sweetened with a teaspoon of honey was the drink of choice.

New_photos_11-29-06_073
Posted May 28, 2008 at 08:53 PM

Try solar outdoor lights, they have evolved in style and function; lights actually emit brightly for task lighting and stylish enough to be the hit of your party!

User_thumb
Posted July 09, 2008 at 08:46 PM

If the party involves drinking, make sure to have a large recycling bin and a smaller garbage can, so guests are less likely to just toss their empties into a garbage can. The power of suggestion can work wonders.

Texas_and_katlyn_s_graduation_053
Posted July 16, 2008 at 08:43 AM

we bbq on gas grill, its easy and fun. ALWAYS use regular plates..sure its a lot to wash after but its cheaper than buying paper plates every time we have people over and its better on the environment.

Blue-rose
Posted July 24, 2008 at 11:56 AM | Edited August 26, 2008 at 03:54 PM

Tired of those pesky mosquitos annoying your guests at your outdoor party? Try Listerine mouthwash. Sounds crazy, but I had received an e-mail on this miraculous discovery. I tried it out at our July 4th picnic. I put mine in a spray bottle and sprayed the lawn chairs, grass, picnic table cover, linens.. anything around the area. It saves money on the expensive and toxic bug sprays. It really did work! Those mosquitos stayed clear of everyone all night. It also has a pleasant scent.