Whether it’s an evening soiree with friends or a birthday bash for your hubby or little one, today’s woman needs a green thumb for eco-conscious party hosting.  It’s a scary thing living with pollution and all the toxins in our environment, never mind the thought of raising our kids in this world. Moms are rightfully concerned with how those things are going to affect their children.

“In my experience, new mothers seem to be the driving force behind the green movement,” says Candice Batista, host, producer and creator of A Greener Toronto. “Over-consumption is a problem in the western world - many of us are recognizing this and finding ways to reduce our overall footprint.”

ECHOage.com allows parents to have their guests give money instead of gifts that produce so much waste in gift wrap and product packaging. Parents will donate half the money given to their child to a charity of his/her choice and use the other half to buy one bigger gift.

“(ECHOage) easily brings meaning to the birthday party experience while delivering great convenience to both the host of the party and to all the guests,” says Debbie Zinman co-founder of ECHOage.

Tree seed boxes and plantable paper

Being mindful of the things we buy and their impact on the environment is crucial. Make your next party eco-friendly with five simple tips:

1) Save the unnecessary waste of disposable plates and utensils by serving finger foods: mini burgers, mini quiche, sausage rolls, bruschetta, bread sticks with genoa salami, puff pastry with spinach and goat cheese, pita pizzas.

2) Make your dessert waste-free too, swapping the typical platter cake for organic cupcakes or mini cheesecakes.

3) Try potted trees or plants as centre pieces instead of cut blooms.

4) Send guests home with a living momento of your party, with tree seed boxes or plantable paper goods (thank-you cards, etc) as your party favour.

5) Need something to wear for the party? Go shopping your own closet, your best friend's closet or your mother's - you won't believe what you’ll find.  Even better, make your next Girls' Night In a clothing swap!

by Sandy Caetano