Issue Date: August 17, 2008
Entertain for the Earth
You know someone has had a party when there are bags full of trash sitting at the curb the next day. But all that waste is just one of the aspects of entertaining that can be less than gracious to the environment. We spoke to some of the best chefs, hosts and party throwers in the business to find out how to make your next party a little more green.
Shop local.
"Menus with local produce reduce the negative impact on the environment," says Alexandra Guarnaschelli, executive chef at Butter restaurant in New York City and host of the Food Network's "The Cooking Loft," which premieres Aug. 30. "Even something like selecting a locally produced cheese over imported Gouda reducesthe carbon miles expended to put food on your table."
This applies to flowers, too. If you're hiring a florist, "request that they use product supplied by local farms," says Danielle Venokur,president of dvGreen, asustainable event design andproduction company. "Potted plants are also a great option, especially if they are native to the area and can then be planted after the event."
Send e-vites.
Or, second-best, userecycled-paper invitations."In some instances, e-mail fits the tone, but in others it is just not the right approach," says Venokur, who has used `, which lets you send out paper and electronic invites and have people RSVP online. "The key is to never compromise on design in e-mail or print."
Opt for products with minimal (if any) packaging.
"Reducing the amount of processed foods you buy helps the environment and adds freshness to your cooking," Guarnaschelli says. How can you tell if you're making a difference? "If you look at your trash can at the end of food prep and there isn't much in there, you know you're using whole ingredients," says Erika Lenkert, author of "The Last-Minute Party Girl" (lastminutepartygirl.com). "And it's much less expensive to cook this way." If you must buypackaged goods, try to buy in bulk because there is a lower packaging-to-product ratio.
Don't waste food.
"Be realistic about the amounts of food you buy," Guarnaschelli says. "And be creative with leftovers so food doesn't go to waste." If you're hosting a large party, ask a local shelter, mission or soup kitchen to take leftovers. However, "it must be organized in advance," Venokur adds, "as it's not likely that you'll find someone to accept last-minute food donations. "Prepare your body before stepping on the court.
|
