May 25, 2009 10:35 am US/Eastern
More Graduation And Birthday Parties Going Green
BOSTON (WBZ) ―
Mathew Bateman is about to graduate from high school. He's planning a different kind of party to celebrate.
"I was thinking of a community work party, maybe clearing a river, maybe a forest. It doesn't sound like fun but when you get a bunch of teens together, especially ones who are friends, it gets fun pretty fast."
Cleaning up a river might not sound like a traditional type of celebration -- but going green is becoming more popular -- and can have more of an impact than you might think.
"Americans spend $4.4 billion on graduation gifts alone. That's the gross national product for a small country," said Corey Colwell-Lipson ofÂ
www.celebrategreen.net
"Every single holiday or celebration can be made more eco friendly," said celebrategreen.net's Lynn Colwell.
Green party experts Lynn Colwell and Corey Colwell-Lipson suggest applying the three "R's" (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) to your party. That can include food, decor, activities and gifts.
Start by saying no to paper.
Send an e-vite instead.
And set your table with a decorative kid's sheet instead of a paper tablecloth.
You can also ask for gifts that have a sentimental meaning, and that they come unwrapped. You can make that part of the fun.
"Kids of all ages love to go on a treasure hunt for their gifts and older kids even think this is hysterical," said Corey.
You can also choose reusable centerpieces and encourage homemade gifts as an option.
Many young people are buying into this concept.
"Special events have the biggest impact on the environment," said Bateman.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
Click to enlarge
Stumble It!
Reporting
Comments