"Greening" Your Events

With Earth Day quickly approaching we thought we'd take a moment to provide some eco-friendly event ideas - from catering to centerpieces you have options to go green.

Invites:

• if you're hosting a dinner or a small private event evites are a great way to go. No paper, no waste.

• If you're planning a wedding getting your invites printed is a special thing. But don't worry - not all printed invites are bad for the environment. Research ''green'' invite companies that use recylced paper. A great resource is http://www.formal-invitations.com/

Centerpieces: if you're looking to spruce up your event with visually amazing centerpieces you have two options

1) if you must use flowers check out your local growers/farmers. Getting your flowers locally saves on long-haul delivery (planes, trucks, etc). And as we know the more gas we use the more damage we do to the ozone layer. Also, recycle your centerpieces by donating them to local hospitals (a common practice at Designs by iBi and our mission statement)

• 2) explore alternatives such as live centerpieces...aka potted plants. These can not only be replanted after the event (helping reduce CO2 levels) but can also be given as party favors. Orchids and cacti are always a great option and are visually stunning.

Caterer: choose a caterer that uses locally grown products. If you're catering the party yourself GO to your local farms and buy produce there.

Style: ladies - no one said we can't be beautiful and green at the same time. There are many new make-up lines out on the market today that are eco-friendly...check out EcoTools by Alicia Silverstone (I worked on the EcoTools launch party...I know first hand that her line is amazing)

And one last thing - instead of water bottles use pitchers. This is not only classy, adds to the decor, but also avoids all the plastic/glass associated with water consumption.

Designs by iBi has been a ''green'' operated company since day one so remember to recycle, reuse, reduce. That has been our motto and should definitely be yours.

Happy Earth Day!