However, if you’re planning a large gathering for Memorial Day, and you’re going to use disposables, consider EarthShell — available at many stores, including Wal-Mart. I saw them at my local grocery store as well.

Why EarthShell? The plates are made from renewable ingredients like potatoes, corn and limestone. What’s natural becomes natural again! In other words, they biodegrade. And that’s much better than a styrofoam plate that will still be in the landfill long after your time. Plus, trees will breathe a little sigh of relief if you don’t choose paper.

According to EarthShell.com, the plates are microwave-safe, cut-resistant and soak-proof. Visit EarthShell to learn more and find a location to purchase plates near you.

Have you tried these plates?

Image via EarthShell.

Click here to learn about all the current contests, themes, and green challenges going on at Tree Hugging Family in May 2008

Post from: Tree Hugging Family

What’s the best birthday gift?

With only seven responses, the joke’s really on us, but here goes:

The winner is “Three six-packs of bottled water delivered to your home each week.” That’s not a winner, but it did receive the most votes — three!

Why wouldn’t you want bottled water for your birthday?

Even if that bottled water really was delivered straight to your door (and you didn’t have to lug the stuff from the store), it still had to travel from the manufacturer. And if you could buy it straight from the manufacturer, that still would not change the fact that millions of barrels of oil are used to produce the plastic bottles. And only around 20% of water bottles are recycled. According to Tappening, bottled water can cost as much as $10 per gallon compared to less than a penny per gallon for tap water. If you don’t have great-tasting tap water, invest in a water filter. Also, reusable water bottles can be more fun than you might imagine.

And free Styrofoam plates came in at two votes. Yuck. That stuff will be around much, much, much, much longer than any of us. It does not biodegrade. Imagine that Styrofoam coffee cup you used at work last week. It will be here in 3015. Many cities are getting smart and banning restaurants from using Styrofoam to-go containers. Plant-based alternatives are available. If you really, really need disposable dishes, try EarthShell, available at Wal-Mart. EarthShell plates and bowls are made from renewable veggies and they biodegrade. The best answer though is to never buy any disposable dishes.

Your own private jet came in at one vote. I’d like to think that most people who can afford this are thinking twice. Flying in a private jet leaves a much larger footprint than commercial flights that transport many passengers.

Also coming in at one vote, a lifetime supply of chlorine bleach. Very funny indeed. Making and using chlorine bleach creates toxins like dioxin and other organochlorides. Studies have shown these chemicals cause cancer, birth defects and reproductive disorders. Chlorine bleach is also very bad for people with respiratory disorders. Alternatives to chlorine bleach include oxygen bleach and hydrogen peroxide-based bleach.

I hope someone out there got a laugh out of the April Fool’s Day poll. It made me laugh anyway. Look for a new poll soon.

Cup and joker photos via MorgueFile

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Here are a few tips to help green your St. Patrick’s Day party:

•Choose organic beer. It not only tastes better, but it saves wildlife like fish and birds. According to Cornell University studies, pesticide spayed on fields kills several million birds and fish each year. Try Peak Organic or Wolaver’s Organic Ales. And buy from a local brewer if possible to help cut carbon emissions.

•And, of course, recycle used beer bottles or cans. Set out a recycling bin for that purpose. Make it part of your “green” theme. If you’re buying a lot of beer, (I can’t believe I’m saying this) get a keg. I’ve never actually bought one, and have no idea if you can get organic beer in a keg, maybe?

•Don’t use disposables. If you don’t have enough plates or glasses, rent them. Businesses like Classic Party Rentals are almost everywhere. If you must go with disposables, avoid Styrofoam. Choose corn-based biodegradable plates, cups and forks. Give EarthShell products a whirl.

•Send an evite instead of a paper invitation. Well, maybe people don’t really send paper St. Patty’s Day invites. I’ve never gotten one, but it’s possible. evite has 11 cool St. Patrick’s Day invitations to choose from.

There you have it — tips on how to green your St. Patrick’s Day party from someone who doesn’t party! I think the tips are still good.

Do you have any favorite green recipes for party food?

Don’t forget to check out Jennifer’s post on the great BabyBam Collection Organic Baby Supplies contest going on now at Tree Hugging Family.

Post from: Tree Hugging Family