As an occasional user of Evite.com, I receive monthly party “tips.” I usually send these straight to the trash – but this month, I’m going to recycle some of the ideas. Evite.com estimates it saves party planners millions of dollars in paper invitations and postage each month. So fittingly, the focus for this month’s newsletter was “Eco-party ideas from eVite.” Here are a few that stood out:

“When serving your party food and drinks, go for the real thing instead of disposable. If you decide to go disposable, remember that Styrofoam and plastic products are definite no-nos. Use biodegradable cups and plates made from corn “plastic” or bamboo — they’re as sturdy as paper and plastic, but they compost in just over a month.”

Place a recycling bin front and center for bottles, etc. We all know people that actually still throw even bottles and cans away. Even if your friends don’t normally recycle, they should, and a great way to help them learn is by example. Have a couple extra containers on hand to send home with people—they may be picked up free of charge at various recycling centers. (Call 720.7111, ext. 30 for more information.)

“From food to décor, buy all your party goods locally. Shop your nearest farmers market or family-owned store (vs. national chains) to reduce your carbon footprint.”

I love this one! There are so many reasons to shop locally—and we luckily have a plethora of options. Visit an area farmers market for local flowers, or your neighborhood grocer for fresh foods. I recently discovered a shop in West Ashley called Home Grown Grocery (829-A Savannah Hwy.) that carries all local seasonal fruits and veggies, fresh pasta, home grown dinners and sandwiches, pies and cakes, and a variety of party-ready treats.

“In the spirit of recycling, add a green swap meet to your next get-together. Create an at-home bazaar where guests can bring gently used items and trade everything from DVDs to kitchen appliances.”

This is a great, fun way to host a get-together. Some of my friends and I did a “clothes-swap” a few months ago and though most of the clothes went to the donation bin, we all had a great time and left with a few items.

View the entire enewsletter here.