Saturday, February 27, 2010

Eco-Fabulous: Celebrate in the New Decade

Répondez, s’il vous plaît when you receive an invitation, according to Emily Post. If you are the one hosting, then embrace the new etiquette of eco-friendly entertaining:

• Evites – With electronic invitations or evites, Emily's required RSVP comes much sooner and there is no expense to the sender or the invitee.

• Recycled invitations – If the event calls for sending a personal invitation, there are beautiful earth-conscious alternatives to choose from. A variety of classic and stylish invitation cards are available from Green Paper Studio, a true-green company that will also plant a tree for every order received.

• Host/Hostess gift – Traditional etiquette emphasizes presenting the host of the party with a gift. Previously, it was selected from a variety of small household items, decorations or a bottle of wine. In the spirit of earth-friendliness a small plant, a basket of organic fruit or a set of 100% recycled note cards would be more than appropriate. If the host happens to be missing a green thumb then select any of the great gifts offered at The Ultimate Green Store.

• Eco-friendly menu – Once the guests arrive, treat them with your best social etiquette and recipes that include organic, locally grown ingredients. Consider serving refreshing dishes that do not require cooking or hot dishes fresh off the grill.

• Less paper waste – Use the fancy glasses you've been wanting to show off, because after all, using your own glasses or even mismatched flea market treasures to serve your guests is the most eco-conscious thing to do. The less paper waste created, the better. If required, there are biodegradable paper goods to be found at Green Paper Products. With a selection of compostable plates, cups and utensils, this company sells their products to individual consumers in smaller quantities including bowls that can be used for those delicious left-overs and taken "to-go" at the end of your event.

• Use daylight – Most small gatherings are scheduled in the evening as a dinner party. To light up the room either make sure you have energy saving light bulbs or turn most lights off and create a festive mood with soy candles. To conserve the most energy, you may want to schedule your party for a lunch on a weekend. Using natural light in an outdoor setting is always a great idea and by the way, great for taking pictures.

True friends will not remember how they were invited, but rather that they were invited. They won't remember what kind of plate you served them with or whether candles were lit instead of lights. However, they will remember the great times they shared in great company.

Wednesday, February 17, 2010

Green Design: Cardboard Furniture

Those who consider themselves environmentally conscious will already be in the practice of separating recycling from trash. While glass, plastic and paper waste is being sorted, boxes and cardboard are forgotten and trashed along with regular waste.

Cardboard is not waste, in fact, it is just as valuable as wood. This is evident in the work created by Les Cartonnistes. They are a collective of French furniture makers that admirably recycle cardboard into beautiful furniture and decorative pieces. Applying their imagination, they skillfully convince simple cardboard pieces to align and support and evolve into functional design.



Image Source: www.lescartonnistesassocies.com

The designers at Green Lullaby are another eco-conscious group. Their child-sized creations, featured on Low Impact Living, are made of cardboard and completely bio-degradable. The use of cardboard for children's furniture and play pieces is a smart alternative to wooden items since a child quickly outgrows his or her cradle, desk or dollhouse.


Image Source: www.babyology.com

Production of cardboard furniture does not have to be solely a professional endeavor. There are plenty of resources and YouTube videos to instruct the crafty person in simple cardboard construction. All those Amazon cardboard boxes could easily become your new eco-friendly lap desk. Reconsider recycling cardboard.