Put an earth-friendly spin on your next party.

Byline: Emilie Le Beau

Everyone does it. You receive a party invite, post it on the fridge and toss it after the event.

This trashed scrap is just one example of how parties can mean pollution. From the plastic plates to the paper napkins, so many party goods end up in a landfill.

Other items, such as food, are consumed and not trashed. But getting that cheese cube from the creamery in France to your backyard means thousands of flown and driven miles.

It may seem like trash is hard to avoid. Green parties, however, are easy and inexpensive. It's about being creative in how you invite, prep, cook and clean.

INVITATIONS

It's not just the paper causing problems. Those professionally printed invitations often feature petroleum-based ink. Some professional services are beginning to offer soy- or vegetable-based ink but these services are usually found on the Internet or in large cities, says Susan Angel, a green wedding planner with Angel & Company in Idaho.