Throwing a Green Party

(MS) -- When the topic of going green is discussed, the focus is typically on ways to be more fuel- and energy-efficient. While those are certainly two effective ways to help the environment, there are a host of other ways to go green as well.

Fortunately, going green is often very easy, and simply requires a few minor changes to produce major benefits. One way to go green, especially in the heart of the summer party season, is to make your parties a green affair. Doing so won't make your parties any less fun, but will make them a lot more environmentally friendly.

• Ditch disposable tableware. Particularly in the summer months, when gatherings are often outdoors, disposable utensils, plates, and cups are the norm. However, such products are often very wasteful. In lieu of paper plates, use inexpensive plastic, reusable plates. The same can be done with the utensils, as throwaway plastic utensils can be replaced with inexpensive and reusable metal utensils. No one expects you to use the fine china outdoors, but reusable and inexpensive tableware is an easy and effective way to be more environmentally-conscious.
• Use cloth hand towels instead of items such as napkins and paper towels. Napkins and paper towels are very wasteful, especially when other items such as cloth towels and napkins are just as effective, and reusable, too.
• Consider a new menu. In-season foods and organic fruits and vegetables are better for the environment and better for your health as well. Instead of standard fare, serve as much of these foods as possible.
• Also, if you have more guests than you do reusable dishes, consider serving finger foods that don't require the use of disposable paper plates. Cookies, cupcakes, and cheese and crackers, are all acceptable fare for a party, and will lessen your reliance on disposable serving dishes and utensils.
• Send out electronic invitations instead of invites. E-mailed invites are not only more environmentally friendly, they're also a party planner's best friend. Instead of using all that paper for invitations, save the cost of paper and stamps and make your invitations online. Web sites such as www.evite.com offer free invitations that can be e-mailed en masse, saving you the hassle of getting everyone's mailing address and all the necessary envelopes and stamps while helping the environment in the meantime.

CAPTION: Finger foods like shrimp cocktail are party favorites that are also green-friendly, as they don't require the use of disposable paper plates.