Green Is The New Black

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As I close the suitcase for Texas after putting that onnnnnnne last pair of "just in case" shoes in, I thought I'd pop in and leave you with something for the next couple of days.

If you've been around Stem long, you know I'm on the Board of Operation Shower and we are heading out to throw our first Eco-Conscious Baby Shower at Ft. Hood for military wives who have deployed spouses. Next weekend we'll do it again at Scott AFB Illinois. I am so excited I can't even hardly stand myself.



Since we are trying to be as friendly to the earth as we can, I recently wrote an article on throwing "green" showers for Clever Parents. The founder of CP just happens to be a co-founder of Operation Shower. Most of the tips can translate into any event though so don't worry if you don't have any baby showers in your future. Surely you have SOME reason to celebrate, right?

Here are some highlights:

Décor and Food

• Make sure your décor items can do double duty. For example, display unwrapped gifts in creative ways for centerpieces.
• More on Clever Parents...
  

No Paper Goods

• If an online invitation is out of the question, then look for invitations printed on recycled card stock.
• Use linen napkins and real dishes. .....Want to do it without spending money? Call your friends and see what fun, mix and match combo you can come up with for a fun and festive look.
• More on Clever Parents...

Favors

Give favors that will actually be used by the guests later.

• A flower in a simple bud vase is something that will make your table look great and just as easily brighten up a desk or kitchen window at
  your guests’ home.
• Hang a reusable shopping bag on the back of each chair as a favor.
• More on Clever Parents...

Gifts

• There are hundreds of amazing eco-friendly products for baby on the market now. With just a little research you can find products that will surely elicit the requisite “oooooo’s and “awwwww’s” from your guests.
• Think of new ways to wrap presents. Use baby blankets or towels in lieu of wrapping paper. Present gifts in reusable shopping bags in lieu of paper gift bags.
• More on Clever Parents...

Get the idea? Click on over to Clever Parents for the rest of the story and come back here soon to see photographs of these tips in action as I share post-event photos with all of you!

Tableware: Head Of The Table
Toy Duck: Imagiplay
Bags: One Bag At A Time