Celebrate Green Blog

by Lynn and Corey

Saving money while celebrating green really is simple. The easiest way to do both is by not spending a penny. When you don’t buy, you’ve got nothing to toss. Simple, no?

And believe us, it’s possible.

But maybe you’re just getting into sustainable living and not buying a thing sounds extreme.

Here are five areas to try. If you’re brave, give them all a whirl, but even doing one is a step toward more sustainable celebrations.

Here are our top five unnecessary-to-buy items.

1. Invitations

Yes, most paper invitations can be recycled. But it’s important to remember that recycling takes energy. So not buying in the first place is best. Besides, while you may recycle, are you sure your invitees will do the same?

Alternatives to buying:

• E-vites are perfectly acceptable these days for most events.
• Hosting an informal event? How about inviting by phone?
• Make edible invites, i.e. cookies, and hand them out instead

2. Disposable tableware

Think about what people did before what we take for granted today, was not available. We have pictures of my husband’s grandfather’s family picnicking—not a paper plate in sight, silverware reflecting in the sun, white cloth napkins spread across their laps.

We use disposables because we can. No party ever bombed because kids ate off of real plates.

Alternatives to buying:

• Use what you already own
• Borrow (While we’re on the subject, how about setting up a community borrowing system for tableware?)
• Have guests bring their own (that’s how they used to do it)

3. Wrapping paper

Most wrapping paper, like most recyclables, ends up in the landfill. Yes, a beautifully decorated package is nice to give and receive, but there are other ways to deal with gifts than using paper.

Alternatives to buying:

• Fabric wraps that the recipient can use–scarves, napkins, towels, depending on the size and type of gift. (Here are  directions for wrapping any size and shape gift with fabric in ways that are simple and beautiful)
• Don’t wrap, hide. Kids love trying to find their gifts either by using clues or playing “Hot and Cold.”
• Fabric bags. Make them yourself from any cloth you have around including clothing you’re no longer wearing or pillow cases. Decorate as you like.

4. Disposable decor

Disposable decor is a huge business—from streamers to tablecloths to games, place settings and so much more. Whether plastic or paper, it costs and and is totally unnecessary to have a special event.

Again, think about how people celebrated when a store was not around the corner.

Alternatives to buying:

• Use items you already own. Photographs of the person being celebrated, of past events, or even of landscapes can contribute to simple elegant decor.
• Use items from nature. Many people do this but instead of looking outside their door, they buy. What if you couldn’t? What can you collect (legally of course), that will add beauty?
• Trade or borrow

5. Party favors

Sure it’s nice to give and receive a gift as a memento of a wonderful event. But who says you have to buy? Using your imagination (with maybe a bit of help from the internet), we’re betting you can come up with some great ideas.

Alternatives to buying:

• Crafters will have no shortage of ideas, but if you’re not into handmade, ask a friend who is for help. Or search online for “handmade party favors (for kids or adults)” and let them inspire you
• Again, look to nature. She can provide you with items you can fashion into gifts or use for the basis of making something more like stones personalized with a hand printed, meaningful quote.
• Small jars of homemade food or body care products (assuming you already have the supplies on hand)
• Seeds from your garden or flowers or interesting cuttings in decorated glass jars

Have you ever hosted a no-buy celebration?

Lynn Colwell and Corey Colwell-Lipson are mother and daughter and authors of  Celebrate Green! Creating Eco-Savvy Holidays, Celebrations and Traditions for the Whole Family, and founders of Green Halloween®.