Parties are on my mind of late – we’ve been happily slogging through a bunch of birthday parties, end-of-school fairs, and plenty of summer gatherings. I’ve gotten several emails lately asking how to green these parties, including 4th of July celebrations. Here are my suggestions. Fittingly, I’m typing these on my own birthday.

FOOD

• Buy Local, Buy Organic
  ‘Tis the season to serve local food. Opt for organic local when you can find it. Why bother with cupcakes when you can serve a flat of local blueberries and first of the season peaches?

• Serve Grass-fed Beef (or Why Not Squash?)
  The number one way to reduce the impact of a BBQ party is to serve grass-fed hamburgers. The environmental toll of conventional meat is gargantuan. It’s also totally inhumane. See the excellent film Food Inc. for an education (or a refresher course) on hamburger patties, agribusiness chickens and more. Grilled “squash burgers” are another fabulous option – cut pattypans into thick rounds and grill.

• Be Careful with Your Condiments
  Don’t forget about going organic for mustard, ketchup, pickles, buns and more. If you’re using charcoal, buy sustainable briquettes (Whole Foods carries some or try these and never use lighter fluid. It’s highly toxic.

• Avoid Fishy Fish
  If you’re serving fish, choose wisely. …