GREEN TIPS

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Having a summer party?

There's no better time to put your green-living routine into practice by buying smart and avoiding waste.

• Save trees. Don't bother with printed invitations, even the colorful kind you make on your computer. Send an Evite or just email the info (or add a cute attachment) giving your guests all the details.
• When shopping for food, take plenty of canvas bags with you to the store. This isn't the time to forget and binge on blue plastic bags. Also, try buying food from bulk bins - especially nuts and candy and other snack-type foods.
• Don't use paper or plastic plates or cups. If you don't have enough glasses or plates, head to the thrift shop. You can usually find plenty of each for under a dollar. Store them for future parties; let your friends borrow them when they have a party.
• If you do use plastic cups, give each guest one, but write their name on it with a marker, so they won't need to use another. You'll be amazed how many cups you won't need.
• When setting the table, use cloth napkins or cut up clean old shirts to make your own.
• If your party's outside, bugs might be a problem. You'd never think of spraying chemicals, right? Buy some potted rosemary plants for decorations - rosemary repels mosquitoes. Citronella candles are always helpful too.