May 22, 2009 5:06 pm US/Eastern
Green Scene: Celebrating In Green Style
(CBS 3)
Not all kids want a fancy birthday or graduation party.
As CBS 3's Liz Keptner shows us, there are some who prefer a different kind of event so there's less waste.
Matthew Bateman, who is eco-conscious, graduates from high school soon, but he doesn't want a traditional party.
"I was thinking a community work party, maybe clearing a river, maybe a forest," Matthew said.
"It doesn't sound like fun, but when you get a lot of teens together, especially ones who are friends, it gets fun pretty fast."
Some kids are looking to add the three R's -- reduce, reuse and recycle -- to their revelry.
Eight-year-old Zoe Colwell-Lipson even gave up presents.
"They brang me homemade cards," said Zoe.
"I thought it was as good as presents."
Zoe's mom and grandmother started a party business for those who want to celebrate green.
"Americans spend $4.4 billion on graduation gifts alone," said Zoe's mom, Corey Colwell-Lipson of Celebrate Green.
"That's the gross national product for a small country."
"Every single holiday or celebration can be made more eco-friendly," said Lynn Colwell.
Corey and Lynn suggest you apply the three R's to the four main aspects of a party: food, décor, activities and gifts.
Start by saying no to paper.
Send e-vites, and set the table with a colorful bedsheet rather than a paper tablecloth.
Ask for gifts to either come wrapped with reusable materials -- or hide them!
"Kids of all ages love to go on a treasure hunt for their gifts," said Corey.
"And older kids even think this is hysterical."
Reusing centerpieces, decorations and gift wrapping can become part of a tradition that lasts for a generation and beyond.
"Special events have the biggest impact on the environment," said Bateman.
"It's just how you do things that's different."
More celebration ideas:
Use what you already have in the house to decorate. A bedsheet can be a tablecloth; wildflowers in old vases can decorate; holiday decorations like lights can serve a second life.
Instead of paper invites, use email, social networking sites like Facebook, or an invitation site like eVite.
Instead of presents, ask for handwritten letters with funny stories or drawings.
If presents are still bound to come, ask they come unwrapped (to cut down on waste), or in paper or cloth bags that can be saved for future use.
If you have to use disposable place settings, check for recycled paper options or recyclable plastics.
Compost leftover food.
RELATED LINKS
Celebrate Green
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