Green Holiday Table Decorations

Holidays and parties just go together. If you are planning a holiday meal, you can still do your part to reduce, reuse and recycle. Let us start with the food.

Try to shop for local meats and produce. It is better for the environment because the process requires less fuel and packaging to get to you. It also helps sustain farms and green areas in our own community, plus your money will feed the local economy instead of going out of State. Organic produces another earth friendly option because of fruits and vegetables are grown without chemicals so they are better for your health and they will not pollute the planet.

At the table, try not to use plastic or paper disposable dishes. If you are expecting a big turn out and need extra place settings, go to the store to create a mix and match set or you can rent dishes for really big crowds. Choose cloth napkins over paper and get creative with the center piece using things most of us can find in our backyard this time of the year. Anything green will work, box, Magnolia leaves, Holly leaves and berries even Nandina makes a nice addition. Pinecones and twigs can also be used and do not forget about those left over trimmings from your Christmas tree. If you plan ahead and soak the green items in a water bath for a couple of days, they will last even longer. Drinks should be served in aluminum cans instead of larger plastic bottles. Plastic bottles are not usually recycled into more plastic bottles. Instead, they are turned into lower grade plastics. Aluminum cans however can be recycled into aluminum cans over and over again. And your Eco-friendly dinner does not end once the meal is over. Think about starting an annual tradition with your guest when it comes to all those leftovers. Have everyone bring reusable containers to take home some of the extras. It is easy to do your part even when you are planning a holiday party. Consider it a gift to planet earth and our future.


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