Useful extras
May 26, 2008
Have a greener outdoor summer party
Challenge Yourself for: 24 Hours
Outdoor summer entertaining can have a carbon footprint. However, there are a few easy ways to lessen your impact. When you entertain outside this month, challenge yourself to:
• Use a natural gas grill instead of charcoal
• Turn off unused indoor lights
• Use regular dishware, napkins, tablecloths, and utensils (instead of disposable)
• Serve a local and organic menu
• Apply a DEET-free mosquito repellent
If you have other ideas, share them with everyone here!
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Tired of those pesky mosquitos annoying your guests at your outdoor party? Try Listerine mouthwash. Sounds crazy, but I had received an e-mail on this miraculous discovery. I tried it out at our July 4th picnic. I put mine in a spray bottle and sprayed the lawn chairs, grass, picnic table cover, linens.. anything around the area. It saves money on the expensive and toxic bug sprays. It really did work! Those mosquitos stayed clear of everyone all night. It also has a pleasant scent.
we bbq on gas grill, its easy and fun. ALWAYS use regular plates..sure its a lot to wash after but its cheaper than buying paper plates every time we have people over and its better on the environment.
If the party involves drinking, make sure to have a large recycling bin and a smaller garbage can, so guests are less likely to just toss their empties into a garbage can. The power of suggestion can work wonders.
Try solar outdoor lights, they have evolved in style and function; lights actually emit brightly for task lighting and stylish enough to be the hit of your party!
We BBQed corn in the husk minus the silk, tomatoes, peppers, and fish on the gas grill outside. Servered on normal plates. Lemonade sweetened with a teaspoon of honey was the drink of choice.
Always use regular dinner ware for economy. Propane grill for several years. Tonight’s menu uses minimal prepared foods. Cooking from “scratch” is best tasting anyway. Party before dark to save on lighting.