Mark's Journal

3 Ways to Eco-tain for Earth DayEarth Day, April 22, 2015

One of my favorite mantras is a take on the three Rs “reuse, reduce, recycle.” I like to reuse, recycle, and repurpose whenever possible. I think it’s a vital way to live your life and run your business. It’s important to be environmentally friendly all year round, but in honor of Earth Day, here are 3 ways you can “eco-tain” or in other words, be eco-friendly while entertaining!

• 

  Be a local-vore

  Buying food that is grown and produced locally supports your local farmers and community. Being a local-vore means that you are promoting energy conservation because less resources are expended during packaging and transporting goods.  A good rule of thumb is to purchase foods that are grown within a 100 mile radius and anything further requires more transportation expense in the form of a larger carbon footprint. Research farmers markets in your area or look into local farms that deliver. More and more services are helping fresh local produce get to the customers who want it.

  Local Harvest is a great nationwide resource listing small farms, farmers markets, and other local food sources.
• 

  Use Earth Friendly Products

  Nowadays, you can find products that are made from 100% recycled materials and are BPA free. Some products are even dishwasher safe and reusable. Other products are biodegradable or compostable, making them great for outdoor parties and picnics if accidentally left behind.

  Two of my favorite eco-flatware companies are Susty Party and iHeart.
• 

  Clean With Green

  When the party’s over, remember to always recycle or repurpose instead of throwing items in the trash. If you have to “trash,” use trash bags made from repurposed plastic for those items that just can’t be recycled and clean with green products.

   

  There are so many household cleaning products that have biodegradable formulas, so keep those in mind when you’re washing dishes and cleaning off table surfaces.

  Resources for Eco-taining
  Local Harvest
  LocalHarvest connects people looking for good food with the farmers who produce it. They maintain a public nationwide directory of small farms, farmers markets, and other local food sources in the US. Their directory lists over 30,000 family farms and farmers markets, along with restaurants and grocery stores that feature local food.

  Susty Party
  Based in Brooklyn, NY, Susty Party creates disposable tableware that is compostable yet colorful, highly-functional, party-ready, and responsibly made in partnership with non-profit factories who employ and empower the visually impaired community. All Susty Party products – plates, bowls, cups, straws, cutlery, tablecloths, and napkins – are made from renewable or sustainably harvested materials, and made in North America.

  iHeart
  The latest in spork innovation. This reusable silverware is shaped like a heart, and snaps open to reveal two forks, two knives and 2 scoops. They are both biodegradable and totally reusable.

  Seventh Generation
  Seventh Generation products focus on sustainability and the conservation of natural resources, using recycled and post-consumer materials in its packaging. Their products contain biodegradable, plant-based phosphate- and chlorine-free ingredients.
  

 

 

 

Comments

comments