Document Actions
How to throw a sustainable dinner party
story Mindy Moreland & Lindsay Funston | photo Blake Hamilton
Move over, Martha Stewart: today’s dinner party focuses on friends, food, and a low environmental impact. Small changes to routines and a little creativity can make a big difference, says Epicurious.com associate editor Lauren Salkeld. “If you’re in your twenties, this is a good time in your life to develop these good habits.”
Main course
Although the Oregon Chinook fishing season has been called off for 2008 to preserve fish populations, all’s not lost for tasty, environmentally conscious feasts. Most seafood packs a much smaller carbon-emission punch than do land-based animal protein sources.
Numerous environmental groups maintain lists of good seafood choices and those to avoid, based on factors such as fishing method, health of wild populations, habitat impact, and fish management practices.
Visit http://www.eartheasy.com/eat_sustainable_seafoods.htm or http://www.audubon.org/campaign/lo/seafood/ and serve your guests dinner without a side helping of habitat depletion.
Side dishes
“Just about every menu can be conscious if you use the right ingredients,” Salkeld says. “Look for things that are seasonal, local, organic.” Serving organic, local produce will reduce your exposure to pesticides, cut down the costs of food transportation and storage, and support local farms.
Napkins and dinnerware
The average American uses 650 pounds of paper products a year. Reduce your impact by avoiding disposable plates, cups, and napkins. Don’t have enough? Ask your guests to bring a plate with them. “The best option is figuring out ways to repurpose things you already have,” Salkeld says. Need napkins? “Maybe you have bandannas of all different colors. You just need to be creative.”
The mood
Choose natural light, compact fluorescent bulbs, or beeswax candles to power your party. Get creative when constructing a centerpiece: try a bowl of fruit or locally grown flowers. Have musical friends? Unplug the stereo and invite your guests to bring their instruments along.
Dessert
A great party ends with great dessert! This vegan chocolate mousse will amaze your guests with its rich and creamy texture. And the hardest part about preparing it is washing the blender.