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DCL
Ah, the office birthday party. Slightly stale supermarket cake, probably eaten awkwardly with plastic forks off of paper plates, and, if you're lucky and things get decadent, maybe there will even be streamers or balloons. The good news is that it doesn't have to be like that. These simple steps to green your next office birthday party might even turn out to make things more fun.
1.Bake A Cake
if you or a co-worker can make the cake at home instead of buying a ready-made from the supermarket, you'll have control over the ingredients, so you can opt for organic, fair trade, sustainable products. Plus, if you're secretly (or openly) a wizard in the kitchen, it's a great chance to show off your skills and impress your colleagues with a super-tasty cake. Your co-workers will be more than grateful not to have to fake-grin their way through the mound of B-grade frosting that all too often smothers commercially made b-day treats. If you aren't up for baking, and can't find someone who is, try to find a locally-owned bakery that makes smart green choices, like using regional produce in their fruit pies.
2.Do The Dishes
Although buying disposable paper plates, plastic cups, plastic forks, and paper napkins is much more convenient than the hassle of toting in dishes from home, washing them at the office, and then packing them back up, there's another great green option. Why not get a set of dishes that you can keep in the office kitchenette for future parties? Since you know there will be more birthdays down the road, getting a set of dishes is a one-time green decision that will pay off countless times in the future. Ask everyone to pitch in a few dollars, then hit the thrift stores to see what great second-hand deals you can find on ceramics, glasses, and cutlery to stock your office party pack. Or, ask everyone in the office to donate a single plate, so that you'll have a full (albeit charmingly mismatched) set.
3.Choose Green Decor
Instead of crepe streamers that you'll throw away, or balloons that'll clog landfills after they deflate in a couple of days, grab a more sustainable option, like a "Happy Birthday" banner that you can re-use in the future. Not only will you save the planet, you'll save money in the long run, and you'll save time and trouble by always having a ready-to-go party-in-a-box instead of having to run all over town to get the decorations. Plus, when it comes to celebrating, newer isn't always better. Think of the fun of taking out your favorite Holiday ornaments, or the special tablecloth you use at Thanksgiving, and try to channel that vibe in your office birthday party.
Need proof that it's possible to balance being green and still be a supportive partner and parent? See how Ed Begley, Jr. does it on Planet Green TV's Living with Ed.
