The Burr

story by Caitlin Saniga :: photos by Tessa Bargainnier

Going green isn’t difficult; it just takes good planning. Take it one step at a time. First, a green dinner party. Next, green habits. Most of these eco-friendly tips can be applied beyond the dinner party.

Party prep

• Send online invites via Facebook or a free invitation Web site like Evite.com. Make a note that guests should walk or carpool to the party.
• Choose a menu that features seasonal and local produce. Purchase ingredients from the farmers market and local businesses. Aim for free-range, organic, fair-trade and pesticide-free foods.

Where? Haymaker Farmers’ Market in Kent holds winter events on Dec. 12 and 19.

• Buy alcoholic beverages from local brewers and wineries.
• Bring reusable shopping bags when buying party supplies and groceries.

Why? According to an EPA report, more than 4 million tons of plastic bags were used in 2007. Only 9.1 percent were recycled.

• Use things you already own, such as a fishbowl with fish or seasonal plants for a centerpiece.

In the kitchen

• Defrost food sans microwave. Set out ingredients four to five hours in advance.
• Remove all ingredients from the fridge at one time.

Why? The more you open and close the fridge, the more energy you waste. Kitchen appliances account for about a quarter of total household energy use.

• Wash vegetables in cold water on low pressure.
• Steam vegetables.
  Why? This method uses less water than boiling.
  Plus: You can use the leftover liquid to water houseplants.
• Use small stove burners for small pots and pans and large burners for large pots and pans.
• Turn off the oven a few minutes before cook time is up. Don’t worry — the oven will hold the heat.
• Prepare food in a slow cooker, instead of an oven, if possible. (Find tasty slow cooker recipes here).

Dinnertime

• Host the party in the afternoon or early evening to make use of natural sunlight.
• Keep cloth dish towels handy in case of spills, and invest in cloth napkins — or better yet, make your own from fabric scraps. Don’t buy paper towels or napkins.
• Ask friends to bring extra dinnerware if you don’t have enough for all of your guests. Don’t buy disposable dishes, cups or utensils.
• Turn down the thermostat a few degrees in cool weather.

Why? Your guests’ body heat will make up the difference.

• Don’t forget to label your recycling and garbage bins.
• Turn off unused appliances and electronics during the party.

Cleanup

• Compost food scraps (egg shells, vegetable peels and rinds, etc.) if possible.
• Store leftovers in reusable containers. Avoid using plastic wrap, foil and resealable plastic bags. Invite guests to bring their own containers if they’re interested in leftovers.
• Wash dishes by hand. Plug sink and allow dishes to soak before scrubbing and rinsing.

Plus: Sanitize old toothbrushes with rubbing alcohol and reuse them to clean narrow champagne flutes, vases and intricate dishware.

• Mix equal parts water and vinegar to clean coffee and food stains.
• Make a paste of baking soda and water to break up grease on dirty dishes.

• Separate recyclables from garbage, and make sure they get to the curb or recycling center.