How to Make Summer Parties Environmentally Friendly

Summer usually means a lot of barbecues, summer parties and outdoor activities—like beach gatherings and car trips.  It also means possibly developing wasteful habits. Some that I am myself am all too familiar with.  

Here are some ideas to cut down your waste, save some money and keep your family a bit healthier during those fun summer parties and gatherings.

1. Staying hydrated can be the most frustrating part of any get together—from close to home gatherings to trips to the beach and summer hikes.  It doesn't mean you have to buy a large number of plastic bottles to keep everyone hydrated.  For outdoor events buy a large insulated container with a spout (Lowe's has one for approximately $25 right now) and fill it with filtered water.  Everyone should brings their own plastic, metal or glass cups to keep themselves hydrated for the day.  Boring you say? Just purchase a few "mix ins"  to add to the water. You can chose one for every taste in your family and still save money. Although I still think water is best.
2. Planning some outdoor events?  Rather than buying all those individually packaged drinks, try those nifty glass or plastic containers for homemade iced tea, lemonade and water—giving your guests a choice, but keeping the environment happy too. Saves you money too when you avoid catering to all different tastes. Homemade tea and lemonade takes little effort and people are so impressed with the taste too!
3. Sow how about all those plates, napkins and other things you use when you throw a party?  If you really don't want to do dishes, you can still opt for compostable or biodegradable options that can be stylish too. Party City has its own eco friendly party section.  If you want to get even swankier, Susty Party is another alternative. Their items come color coordinated in all kinds of shapes as well as themes—like this Fourth of July party kit.
4. Skip the mylar balloons!  In general latex balloons don't take much time to biodegrade on their own, but they can still pose a threat to wildlife when they make it out to sea.  There are biodegradable options that will degrade more quickly.  If you do use balloons, just be sure to dispose of them properly.  
5. Buy in bulk!  Individually wrapped anything is always going to use more resources.  So when traveling on the road or going out with the family for the day, try getting bulk items and using reusable containers to divide them into smaller portions.  It saves money too!
6. Skip paper invitations if you are having a more formal party. Use evites, Facebook or some other social network to get your friends together.  No need to waste the paper and it is so much more affordable. 
7. Go organic and local!  I know, it's so overdone and I can't say it enough but with the gorgeous summer fruit and veggies at our local farmer's market you can have the most scrumptious snacks and other delights by merely hitting the stands.
8. Try a pot luck!  Slow food (Opposite of FAST Food) is the way to go. Have a party where everyone brings their favorite recipe to share.  And if you want to go catered, stick with a local business.
9. Carpool!  Are you meeting a group of people for a day out?  Why not pick up your friends and meet up at the destination with others.  I love to carpool, especially since the cost of gas has been going up and up. Always offer to split the cost of gas with your carpool pals.
10. Going to barbecue?  Stick with gas. Oil up your grill with an onion and some olive oil rather than cooking spray.  Always try to go with organic meats as well—it can make for some good eats too. Don't forget the cleaning. It's much better to clean that grill with some baking soda and water.

From the food to the plates you put it on, think about where these items come from and where they will wind up.  Just think about how much time you will spend using the item and how much time they will spend in a landfill. Convenience does matter and there are a lot of great options that still offer that same ease of use, but will not take forever to degrade.  You do have a choice.  Do you have to make that choice?  Of course not, but it doesn't hurt to try.  Planning ahead can make a huge difference.