Are you a fan of living the green lifestyle? Do you attempt to talk your friends into going green, too? Now is the chance to show them how simple and rewarding it is! Invite your friends over for a green dinner party. Here’s how to achieve it:

• If you regularly send invitations in the mail, send e-mails this time. They will save paper waste and they will be a nice surprise during the workday! If some friends don’t have e-mail, call them on the phone.
• Observe who you are inviting and where they live. Then, try to organize carpools between those who live near each other. Not only will this save parking space in front of your home, but it will also save gas and carbon emissions.
• When you purchase the items to cook, buy locally grown foods. Opt to serve vegetarian dishes for an original, healthier menu. This will prevent methane emissions from entering the air, which are created from meat. It will also educate your guests how many options are available from nearby markets and grocers.
• Also when purchasing your goodies, buy the food in bulk to save on packaging. Bring your own cloth bags that are reusable. Even consider taking public transportation to the grocery store. You can share this green experience with your friends over dinner!
• Decorate your table with a hemp tablecloth, a cloth made of organic cotton or even a snazzy sheet. If you’d rather show off your table, make sure it contains a non-toxic finish.
• Place a plant or a soy candle on the table as your centerpiece. Plants sustain life and make the air fresher to breathe, and soy candles are made with renewable ingredients that release less air pollutants.
• Decorate around the area with articles from nature, such as locally grown flowers, pinecones or an assortment of uniquely shaped twigs. Paper décor will only survive one party. Nature brings out an appealing, calm and natural ambiance.
• If the sun is still shining at the time of your party, keep the blinds open for an abundance of natural light. Otherwise, replace your light fixture with fluorescent bulbs. Add a dimmer to the room to set the mood and to use less energy.
• Use permanent salt n’ pepper sets. They come in so many styles and offer you tons of options! They should also last you a lifetime. Don’t use disposable dishware, either. Use real plates, glasses, silverware and even cloth napkins for a more elegant, green approach.
• Even your spirited drinks can be green! Serve up a pitcher of margaritas, mojitos or sangria! Be creative, and at the same time, save bottles and cans from being used. If your guests prefer wine or beer, opt for green wine, organic liquor and organic beer. They do exist! Serve glasses of filtered water from the sink.
• After enjoying the locally grown food, don’t let the leftovers go to waste! Serve small portions, offer second helpings and then provide leftovers for your guests to bring with them. Purchase green containers or invite guests to bring their own container to fill!
• Clearly mark the recycle bin, the compost bin, the garbage disposal or any other method you use to help the environment. Make sure everything ends up where it should. This is your chance to teach others how easy it is to recycle!
• Afterward, clean up using green products. For more information, read this article.