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SIMPLE, SUSTAINABLE PARTIES
[FOR DONORS… AND OTHERS ]Jessica R. Kratz
NYSOEA Conference
October 2011
OVERVIEW
A little extra “behind the scenes” magic can make your party truly magical
A party can in fact complement your organization’s mission and actually be a platform to better showcase that mission to [potential] donors and stakeholders
There are many components that come into play before, during, and after the party that help you “walk the walk”
BEFORE THE PARTY
“Preparation is the key to success and victory”-General Douglas A. McArthur
Choose wisely -purchase, rent, or, obtain reusable table
linens -choose fresh, seasonal ingredients for the
menu [local farmers markets can be ideal] -purchase greener cleaning products [and
make your own]
FRESH, SEASONAL INGREDIENTS Choose items grown or near your site Fall is especially a great time for sustainable
harvest items You may wish to include, on paint chips or
other decorative reused paper, where the food is from and how many carbon miles the food traveled
[if you grow some of the ingredients on site, even better!]
Vegetarian fare is cost-effective and planet-friendly
Photo credit: http://nj.org/apple_picking.html
SEASONAL INGREDIENTS: SO MUCH TO CHOOSE FROM!
From my local farmers market: this can make a menu from heaven:
http://www.historicrichmondtown.org/decker-farm
Pumpkin blossoms, Pumpkins, Kale, Tuscan kale, Mustard greens, Tomatillos, Calabaza, Butternut squash, Tomatoes
Herbs: Sage, Lemon balm, Basil, Rosemary, Lavender, Tarragon, Greek and Italian oregano
Domestic produce: Figs, Heirloom apples, Jersey Macintosh apples, assorted pears, Garlic, Purple potatoes, Red potatoes, Fingerlings,
Red and white onions, Leeks, Cippolini, Purple cauliflower, Beets
Assorted mushrooms
GREEN CLEANING PRODUCTS
The top 3 natural cleaners you may already have
-lemons -baking soda-vinegar
Other tips:-Use microfiber cleaning wipes-Use scrubbers made of natural fibers-Look for the EPA “Design for the Environment”
symbol when purchasing store-bought cleaners
PLATING TO PERFECTION
Reusable ceramic plates and silverware is a great way to go
Compostware can be a reasonable alternative for picnics etc.
-bioplastic -bamboo -paper fiber
CENTERPIECES AND TABLE SETTINGS
Another great way to “walk the walk” A place to showcase what your staff has
been doing [i.e., holiday craft workshops]
STAFF CRAFT SHOWCASE
Nature Mandala from summer camp: can be wall hanging, auction item, or miniaturized into a coaster
Mosaic Garden tile from a family craft workshop: would make a nice coaster, centerpiece, or trivet
MORE IDEAS: COST-EFFECTIVE AND CLASSY
Wine cork reindeer Sweet gum ball wreath Pomanders Decorated pumpkins Cinnamon sticks around a Candle Ferns and/or autumn leaves laminated in
placemats Homemade cloth, leather, or magazine
coasters Found natural objects in vases or bowls
SCENT-SATIONAL!
There are many ways to make your event smell terrific, naturally
Freshly-baked pies Boil fruits, herbs, and spices [cloves and
cinnamon work especially well] Combine lemon zest with baking soda for a
natural air freshener -essential oils in reed diffusers or warm,
moist towletttes
Lavender (Wikimedia commons)
SU$TAINABLE AUCTIONS Encourage practical items that can be consumed
and/or re-used Items relating to organization’s mission/ideals Consider donating your wine corks after the event
to your staff as craft materials or placing them for bid or sale on eBay Charitable Works
Painted rain barrel. NAAEE Buffalo 2010
Signed Book and Theme Basket, NYSOEA 2011: bid soon!
RECOMMENDED CRAFT MATERIALS
Biodegradable plastic or shredded paper for baskets Cork Cardboard Bird seed [great for mandalas, mosaics, etc] Soy candle wax Pine cones Found objects [buttons, bottle caps, rocks, etc] Hot glue gun Cinnamon sticks [eBay is a great source] Cork Bamboo Felt [with recycled fibers] FOAM IS A FAUX PAUX