justin fox burks
No one likes to be a nag, but that cookout you’re enjoying may not
be that great for our planet.
Don’t fret. You can keep on barbecuing and having people over
because greening your party is simple.
Margot McNeeley, executive director of Project Green Fork, says that
the first thing to remember is that reusable trumps disposable. Some
hosts simply utilize their regular plates and glasses and deal with the
extra load of dishes after the occasion ends.
Having dishwasher-safe recycled plastic plates and cutlery on hand
is another option. Whole Foods Market has a selection of Preserve
plates and cups, which are made from recycled plastic and can be
re-used.
For one-time-use plates and cutlery, look for plastics marked with a
“1” or “2,” which are accepted for curbside recycling here in Memphis.
Place a clearly marked, recycling-only bin in the party’s vicinity
rather than leave it up to your guests to find the one hidden away
somewhere inside the house or garage.
Sustainable partyware is biodegradable and often compostable. Bare
by Solo bamboo/natural fiber plates are available at Fresh Market for
$2.99 for a set of 15, and a full eight-piece place setting of
TerraWare earth-friendly plastic-alternative cutlery made from
cornstarch resin is $1.99 at Whole Foods. For large events, ordering in
bulk online is a good option, and McNeeley’s go-to site, ecoproducts.com, has everything —
even compostable straws.
To deck out the table, think about what you already have around the
house. Refashion an old cotton window panel or an interesting piece of
fabric to use as an outdoor tablecloth. Get some cloth napkins
(available for as little as $1 apiece), and after the party, just throw
everything in the washing machine.
Danny Seo, eco-lifestyle expert and green-living contributor for
Better Homes & Gardens, gets creative with unusual
materials. “I use a paint-splattered canvas tarp as a heavy-duty
tablecloth and colorful bandannas as napkins,” he says. “They’re fun
and reusable.”
Seo offers another idea that can add to your party’s green
atmosphere: “I think solar lanterns borrowed from the driveway make
great lanterns on the table.”
For centerpieces, turn to your own yard for flowers or ask your
neighbors’ permission to thin out what they’ve got. Flowers that are
fair-trade-certified are gaining in popularity, but many are still
shipped from far away; however, here in Memphis, Jill Forrester of
Whitton Farms offers gorgeous Arkansas-grown flora at the Memphis
Botanic Garden Farmers Market on Wednesday and the downtown Farmers
Market on Saturday.
Now let’s get cooking. Contrary to popular belief, grilling out may
not be as harmful as people think. McNeeley asserts, “The carbon
footprint of grilling is nothing compared to what people do in their
everyday lives.” However, she points out that there are a few steps
that can help us grill greener. While propane and electric grills are
more efficient, those who prefer charcoal grills can purchase
environmental charcoal or wood briquettes and use chimney starters in
lieu of fluid. Using Cowboy Charcoal is also a better choice because
it’s natural and sustainable. A trick that Seo recommends is using
“lint from the drying machine as a natural firestarter. It is
slow-burning, natural, and free.”
For the food, it’s a good idea to use what’s offered locally and in
season and to be sure not to overestimate what people will eat. Seo
says, “I think the biggest mistake people make is that we worry we
won’t have enough food for family and friends, so we overcook and
overserve everything. What happens? We end up with garbage bags full of
spoiled potato salad, snacks, half-full beverages, and perfectly good
corn on the cob. Instead, plan ahead and stick to a handful of quality
side dishes and entrées and one very good dessert. Serve
everything in resealable containers so it can easily be sealed back up
for leftovers.”
McNeeley advises hosts to turn off any unnecessary inside
electricity when everyone’s in the backyard but also says to take your
iPhone outside — there are applications that can help repel
mosquitoes. Sandalwood incense is another natural repellent that’s
widely available.
Going green doesn’t mean the party’s over. It’s simply about being
more responsible.
“Do the math,” Seo says. “The amount of trash and waste you generate
in your own backyard times the number of Americans who are entertaining
equals a lot of trash. I’m not advising against enjoying the warm
summer air for dining al fresco. I just think we can significantly cut
down on waste if we just make a few changes.”
