Eco-Chic Party Tips

Eco-Chic Events

Eco-Chic Events

 

 

This article was written by our fave guest blogger and one of my closest friends Danielle Mosley! She wanted to share some excellent tips for hosting eco-chic parties in 2012.
Even though the holiday’s are over there is still a full year of events left to be scheduled!
Here are some simple tips on throwing zero-waste “eco-chic” parties:

1. First things first are invitations.
The easiest way to send an eco-friendly invite is an Evite. There are so many sites doing that these days so you can find the perfect one. Try Evite.com or Stationery by Amy Adele.You can also make your own invites out of things you have from around the house or find items such as recycled card stock at your local craft store. You can be original with the writing by using cut outs from a magazines or even images and make the invite a game to figure out, left over ribbon from the holidays, buttons, you name it!  Be Creative and have fun with it! Guests appreciate when the host goes out of their way and personalizes the party.

2. No matter the size of your party you are going to notice a pile up of trash from plates and cups to straws and cutlery. Skip the plastic and try reusable flatware. Plenty of places also sell biodegradable utensils and flatware, even napkins. Like these Bamboo Plates, Biodegradable Trash Bags or these Biodegradable Paper Straws.

3. Next is décor…you can deck out the whole party with biodegradable goodies like balloons and crepe paper steamers Make your own confetti with scraps of paper from your amazing homemade DIY invites. You can make a pretty amazing centerpiece with magazine flowers . You can even create a mini version of this for a party favor for your guests. Use clean vegetable cans, decorate the outside with a solid piece of recycled paper and decorate in a similar fashion to the invites. If your event calls for real flowers please make sure to buy them locally, make sure they are organic like OrganicBouquet.com.  If you keep bottles and jars like i do you can use them as vases or votives and make cute take aways for your guests as well. If you use candles safely you can save energy and since it is winter if you cook your food and plan arrival times can keep your venue warm without having to turn on your heat.  If you have to use party lights make sure to get energy saving bulbs, no need for your bills to sky rocket just because you want to have fun!

4. Next are food and drinks obviously. I know you know to go local and organic which is easy enough now many local groceries have their won organic or natural sections. In some areas it isn’t as easy to find organic wine or liquor. One of my fave organic wine retailers is OrganicWineCompany.com or you can try Crop Vodkas or Prairie Vodka. If beer is more  your style then try Eel River`s Certified Organic I.P.A .
If you are unsure what kinds of apps and fun food to serve you can always check out our receipe section where I have plenty of fun food for the greenie in you! Also keep in mind if you use all organic foods and biodegradable flatware, cups, utensils you can throw it all to be composted.

Share

Have You Heard About Slut Walks?

Slut Walk NYC

Slut Walk NYC

I was invited to this event by a friend of mine a few months back and I had to admit I have never heard of it. At first I thought she was calling me a cruel name but then she explained. I do like the idea but as I have done some research and heard some interviews not all feminists are pro-Slut Walk. I would like to know your opinion on the Slut Walks. Have you ever heard of or participated in one? If so, please fill me in I would love some more insight. If you haven’t would you participate in this event?
Below is the information for SlutWalk NYC. Let me know what you think and if you would go or are planning to go!

Time: Saturday, October 1 · 12:00pm – 3:00pm

…No matter who you are
No matter where you work
No matter how you identify
No matter how you flirt
No matter what you wear
No matter who you choose to love
No matter what you said before:

NO ONE has the right to touch you without your consent. SlutWalk NYC is part of a worldwide grassroots movement challenging rape culture, victim-blaming and slut-shaming*, and working to end sexual and domestic violence.
*SlutWalk NYC’s working definition of slut-shaming: the derogatory, sexist language and policies that are used to shame self-identified women who are perceived as sexual.
SlutWalk first began in Toronto, where on January 24th, 2011, a representative of the Toronto Police gave shocking insight into the Force’s view of sexual assault by stating: “women should avoid dressing like sluts in order not to be victimized”.
As the city’s major protective service, the Toronto Police perpetuated the myth and stereotype of ‘the slut’, and in doing so have failed us. With sexual assault already a significantly under-reported crime, survivors have now been given even less of a reason to go to the Police, for fear that they could be blamed. Being assaulted isn’t about what you wear (check the stats, research, studies, etc); it’s not even about sex; but using a pejorative term to rationalize inexcusable behaviour creates an environment in which it’s okay to blame the victim.
Society teaches “Don’t get raped” rather than “Don’t rape”. It is time to stop blaming the victim!
SlutWalk is about expressing our unity, fighting to shed the stereotypes and myths of sexual assault and supporting a better understanding of why sexual assault happens, putting the blame where it belongs: on those who perpetrate it. We believe in working toward better partnerships and conversations in our communities to help make this happen.
The term ‘slut’ has carried a predominantly negative connotation. Aimed at those who are sexually promiscuous, be it for work or pleasure, it has primarily been women who have suffered under the burden of this label. And whether dished out as a serious indictment of one’s character or merely as a flippant insult, the intent behind the word is always to wound, so we’re taking it back. “Slut” can be re-appropriated.
We are tired of being oppressed by slut-shaming; of being judged by our sexuality and feeling unsafe as a result. Being in charge of our sexual lives, however we choose to express them, should not mean that we are opening ourselves to an expectation of violence, regardless if we participate in sex for pleasure or work. No one should equate enjoying sex with attracting sexual assault.
WE ARE COMING TOGETHER. As people from all gender expressions and orientations, all walks of life, levels of employment and education, all races, ages, abilities, and backgrounds, from all points of this city and elsewhere.
We are asking you to join us for SlutWalk, to make a unified statement about sexual assault and victims’ rights and to demand respect for all. Whether a fellow slut or simply an ally, you don’t have to wear your sexual proclivities on your sleeve, we just ask that you attend. Any gender-identification, any age. Singles, couples, parents, sisters, brothers, children, friends. Come walk or roll or strut or holler or stomp with us.
Join us in our mission to spread the word that those who experience sexual assault are not the ones at fault, without exception.
We are in the process of organizing the event. Details will follow shortly.

Please also check out:
http://slutwalknyc.com/
http://www.slutwalktoronto.com/
http://twitter.com/SlutWalkNYC
If you want to get involved please contact us: slutwalknyc@gmail.com and slutwalknycweb@gmail.com

join GreenAmerica.org

Share

WATER WEEK, HUGE SALE

WATER WEEK, HUGE SALE

 

Happy World Water Week!
Sept 6-10th is World Water Week.

Multi-Pure will donate a portion of profits on every sale of a drinking water system purchased to Water for People.
Also, If you purchase a filter from www.GoGreenWaterFilter, every filter will be on SALE, PLUS you will get to pick a **FREE** gift.
(Emergency Filter great for traveling OR De-Chlorinating Shower Filter)

Water For People helps people in developing countries improve quality of life by supporting the development of locally sustainable drinking water resources, sanitation facilities, and hygiene education programs. http://www.waterforpeople.org/

Multi-Pure Corporation was “green” long before it was fashionable to be so! For 40 years Multi-Pure has manufactured drinking water systems that help provide solutions to environmental problems such as plastic water bottles, harmful contaminants, and the careless waste of precious resources. We’re proud of the “green” products we manufacture, using materials that are biodegradable and come from renewable resources.

1 Multi-Pure water filter cartridge = 12,000 8oz plastic water bottles!
What happens when you throw away your old, used cartridge? The used cartridge is actually GOOD for the landfills! It continues to absorb even more chemical pollutants in the ground.


Shop at GoodLifeBottles.com

Share

Elements of Change: Educational Reform in the Congo

Elements of Change: Educational Reform in the Congo

Date: Monday, March 1, 2010
Time: 6:00pm – 9:00pm
Location: James Cohan Gallery 533 West 26Th Street

Please join the Georges Malaika Foundation for the unveiling of the GMF School, created by the esteemed architectural design firm, Studio MDA. Theoretical educational models, structured upon in-depth research conducted in Congo, created by students of Columbia University’s Graduate School of Architecture, Planning, and Preservation, will also be on exhibition.

Special guests will include Matthew Bishop, American Business Editor and New York Bureau Chief for The Economist and Khaliah Ali, humanitarian and daughter of legendary fighter Muhammad Ali.

Georges Malaika Foundation
Website: www.gmalaikaf.org

Georges Malaika Foundation: Empowering African Girls Through Education
Donate Today and make a difference in the lives of many African girls!

Learn More

Share

Phones for Haiti

phones

One of my Facebook friends sent this to me and I think this is a great way to Help Haiti!!

Type: Causes – Fundraiser
Network: Global
Start Time: Monday, January 18, 2010 at 9:00am
End Time: Friday, January 22, 2010 at 5:00pm

DescriptionHello Friends,

How many of you have old cell phones laying around right now? I’d be willing to say that the majority of us have at least one. In my case, I actually have 3.

Recycling our old cell phones is something that we all know we should do, but just haven’t gotten around to it. Well, now there’s a urgent reason to do so!

Phones For Haiti is providing disaster relieve for the victims of the quake by recycling our old cell phones for free. They refurbish and sell them in developing countries. The proceeds generated from our donations will be given directly to the American Red Cross to help fund their efforts in Haiti.

So how do you contribute?

Just visit the following link, print pre-paid shipping label, place cell phone(s) in box and drop in the mail. It’s that simple!

www.phonesforhaiti.com

This is an awesome way for us to all give back, regardless of our current financial position. So, what do you guys and girls say? Let’s all join together by shipping our old phones this Monday, January 18th!

To show your commitment, please RSVP to this event and invite all of your friends too!

Sincerely,

Josh Davis

Share

A Better Place Auction/Fundraiser

untitled
 
A Better Place at Michigan Pet Expo
Type: Causes – Fundraiser
Network: Global
Start Time: Friday, November 20, 2009 at 11:00am
End Time: Sunday, November 22, 2009 at 5:00pm
Location: Rock Financial Show Place
Street: 46100 Grand River
City/Town: Novi, MI
View MapGoogle
MapQuest
Microsoft
Yahoo

 A Better Place all breed dog rescue will have a booth at the 2009 Michigan Family Pet Expo. You will be able to meet some of our adoptable dogs, pick up some great FREE educational materials, and speak with volunteers to learn more about A Better Place all breed dog rescue and pet education.

UP FOR AUCTION & ON DISPLAY AT THIS EVENT
(this will be an online auction through eBay, do not need to attend event to bid!!!):
(1) Pryor’s Planet, the all breed dog rescue founded by Jennifer Lee Pryor and Richard Pryor, will be donating: The Spirit of Detroit award given to Richard Pryor, 2 Pryor’s Planet T-Shirts, Richard Pryor Live & Smokin’ DVD, Richard Pryor Anthology 2 disc CD set. These items will be broken into multiple auction listings.

http://www.pryorsplanet.com/0/3672/0/1097/

(2) Artist Bruce Lehto will donate an original Oprah acrylic painting on canvas to benefit ABP.

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Bruce-Lehto/138832828179

http://brucelehto.webs.com

(3) Vivid Crystal Wood Signs will be donating a wood “Welcome” sign.

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=1831892&op=8&o=global&view=global&subj=106813270023&id=567556924

http://www.vividcrystal.biz

(4) “The Walk” A Boston Terrier print by Patti Meador

http://www.artistrising.com/products/409238/The-Walk.htm

http://www.bostonsandboxers.com/

(5) “Moti” Limited edition giclee print of a puppy mill rescue by Guy Johnston

http://www.abetterplace.rescuegroups.org/shop/item?ItemID=2362&CategoryID=651

(6) Photographer Barb Lehto will donate a laminated poster-sized print of her original photograph of Kid Rock on the set of “Roll On”

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=30316891&id=1140327352

http://www.youtube.com/barblehto

(7) Signed Cuba Book & an original signed print by Photographer Jack Kenny

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=1750&id=100000235670579

http://jkennyphoto.com/

(8) Producer, Director Tom McPhee will be donating a copy of An American Opera as well as a signed poster

http://www.anamericanopera.com/

(9) Dean Russo Art will be debuting a new Pit Bull piece at this auction!

http://www.facebook.com/deanrussoart?v=wall

http://www.deanrusso.com/

(10) Photographer Tina Valant is donating an autographed coffee table book (hard cover) of Palm Beach Pet Society. http://www.havedog.com/
(11) Musician John Shipe (“Pit Bull Blues”) is donating a collection of John Ship cds

http://www.facebook.com/pages/John-Shipe/61965288122?ref=ts

(12)Larry Fratangelo will be donating a pair of signature drum sticks and an autographed copy of Drum Head Magazine (Larry has been percussionist with Parliament Funkadelic, Aretha Franklin, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Prince, Kid Rock, and others) http://www.brotherangel.com/

Other items still pending, will add information as they arrive!!!

eBay Giving Works A Better Place Auction Page:

http://donations.ebay.com/charity/charity.jsp?NP_ID=35041

Other rescues that will be in the same booth area are:
Michigan English Springer Rescue America
English Setter Rescue of Michigan

WE NEED VOLUNTEERS TO ASSIST WITH THIS EVENT. IF YOU ARE INTERESTED OR CAN DONATE ANY OF THE ITEMS LISTED BELOW PLEASE CONTACT US:

http://www.abetterplace.rescuegroups.org/info/contact

WE ALSO NEED THE FOLLOWING ITEMS:
Display fixtures for our educational materials
Easels
Collapsible Crates

The Michigan Family Pet Expo is a pet lovers paradise. You can shop for your favorite pet or pet lover at more than 100 exhibit booths of pet-related products & services. Enjoy entertaining shows and competitions, and you may even enter your dog or cat in several different contests (pre-registration required). Plus get “up close and personal” with hundreds of pets of all kinds.

November 20, 21 & 22, 2009

Friday: – 11am – 6pm
Saturday: – 9am – 8pm
Sunday: – 10am – 5pm

Rock Financial Showplace – Hall A
46100 Grand River Avenue
Novi, MI 48374

Adults: $9
- OR – Help a hungry Animal!! Bring a can or bag of pet food to the show and receive $1 off the regular adult admission. Food donations benefit local shelters and rescue groups.
(One discount offer per adult, offers cannot be combined.)

Children (ages 3-12): $5
Parking: $5

Food & Beverages: Must be purchased separately. The concession area has a wide selection of lunch and dinner meals, snacks, desserts, and drinks.

http://www.petmichigan.com

http://www.abetterplace.rescuegroups.org/info/events

LT - 090909 - 468x60 Feel Good

Share