Before you throw an eco-friendly party, get your abode tidied up with some green cleaning. Here are some ideas.
Being environmentally friendly is all the rage and green cleaning is one more way to be eco-savvy. It seems that everyone is finally seeing the light regarding the importance of being more conscious about chemicals,
waste and the planet's dwindling resources. If a person is going to have an eco-friendly party in her home, it should be done consciously in a variety of ways, such as with the dwelling itself, the cleaning prep and even the foods and beverages that are served. Here are some "how to's" for throwing a "Green Celebration."
The home: In order to have an environmentally conscious home, there are multiple items that should be looked at.
Flooring: Floors can be made out of reclaimed lumber that was harvested from old warehouses, pickle vats and barns. No need to cut down living trees when there are plenty of reclaimed options on the market. Rugs should be made of natural fibers and dyes.
Roofs: How about a garden growing on your rooftop? This is one of the latest and greatest ideas for insulating, beautifying and having a surface that provides abundant sunlight. With proper planning, drainage and plants, this is truly green.
Gray water: Water from bathtubs, laundry and bathroom sinks can be diverted through gray systems rather than through sewer or septic. Toilets and kitchen runoff must go through the sewer systems but the gray H2O can be salvaged for watering the landscaping.
Furnishings: Thrift store chic décor is another method of repair, reuse, and recycle. Why pay top dollar for brand new items when thrift and antique stores are bulging at the seams with unique items that can create a houseful of eclectic furnishings. When your friends rave about your cool chair or dining room set, you can impress them all by telling them how you pulled them out of a dumpster and brought them back to life.
Foods:
Organic: Buying produce that is in season and organic is the only way to go. If you have a local farmers' market, all the better. Have lovely trays full of colorful veggies and fruit - it will be attractive to look at, tasty to eat and healthy for everyone's bodies.
Free range: If you serve meat or eggs, make sure they came from free-range sources and farms with compassion protocol.
Breads: Homemade, whole grains, some gluten free.
Cleaning: Everyone is realizing how toxic some of the old chemicals were in scrubbing up a house. Just say no to these dangerous products as much as possible.
Vinegar: White vinegar is an effective cleanser when mixed with water.
Commercially prepared: There are some products on the shelves of your local grocer that are tagged as "safe." Read the labels to be sure and buy those.
Using a service: There are many housecleaning services that now provide eco-friendly products. Interview a few and see if they are a fit for your needs.
When throwing a party or just living your life, eco-friendliness is the way to go. Tactics such as green cleaning and maintaining a sustainable household will be good for you and leave less of a carbon footprint.
