10 Tips to Hosting a Green Eco-Friendly Art Show at Home

Art shows, jewelry shows and clothing shows being hosted at home are becoming very popular. Every week at least one friend of mine is asked to host a show or party of some kind from their home. How can you host a show that is eco-friendly? Easy, by applying the same principles to living green that you do in ordinary life. Home shows, whether art, jewelry, make-up, clothing or any other product, can be green and eco-friendly with the 10 following tips.

1. Make sure the art or product itself is eco-friendly or green. This should be step 1 because there is no point in hosting a green show for something that is harmful to the environment. The art must not be harmful to the environment - this means that it must not be using up non-renewable resources or promoting violence against the earth or it's inhabitants for example. Also, is the art useful and desired. Don't host a show where people might purchase something but then it will end up in a landfill later.

2. Research the production of the art. The art or product itself could be eco-friendly or promoting being "green"; however, is the production of the product eco-friendly as well? Are the paints toxic? Are the waste materials disposed of properly? Learn about the production and disposal methods to see if it is really green. Does the artist incorporate recycled materials into the production?

3. Does the artist exemplify green eco-friendly living? Does the artist choose to personally tread lightly on the environment. If the artist is smoking like a chimney while producing the art? If so, are they living true to preventing air pollution? Does the artist choose to drive an environmentally unfriendly vehicle? Obviously, if the artist has large pieces, they will need to have a vehicle to transport them properly; however, it boils down to whether or not the artist is practicing green living themselves. If they are not, then when you purchase the art, you will be handing your hard earned income to someone who will use it against your environmentally guided principles. Only support truly green artists and companies that do business and create art in such a way that it supports your principles too.

4. Send you invitations through email, through a web page, or by telephone. Why waste paper and stamps, plus the entire process used by mailing a letter? If you must mail the invitation, use invitations using recycled paper and have the recipients RSVP by phone or email.

5. Host your show using glasses and plates that are not disposable, especially not Styrofoam. Dark colored cloth napkins are elegant, wash easily in a washing machine, and also eco-friendly since they are not disposable. Use utensils that can be washed and reused.

6. Prepare your food or snacks on dishes or trays that are not disposable. Recycling is great; however, prevention of any waste is better. If you have a caterer, make sure that they use environmentally friendly practices as well.

7. If it is possible to host on an open, bright, and cheery porch using natural lighting or outside under a gazebo, host in nature using naturally lighting. If you host in your home, turn off all the lights in closed off rooms. You can even close the vents to the rooms to reduce wasting AC while you host your art show. If you will be hosting a full menu, use candles for lighting during the meal to reduce electricity use.

8. If you use place holders, make them useful ones or able to be re-used. For instance, use bookmarks with the guests names so when they leave, they can take them and use the bookmark. Or make or purchase small frames and put a picture of the guest or a nice quote with their name on it. These places holders serve a dual purpose, the first is to hold their place, the second will be later after they leave.

9. Put out a bowl or container to collect donations for a green or eco-friendly cause that you support. Let your guests know in advance about the option to donate to the cause during the art show when you invite them. Or put out a basket to collect food or clothing (or both) for some worthy church pantry, pregnancy center, homeless shelter, or domestic violence shelter. Encourage guests to bring either food goods or clothes that are not needed at their homes. It is possible to "require" something for entrance to your show too, like some pasta or peanut butter or 1 clothing item to be donated. Depending on your circle, you will know what will work best.

10. Send the left over juices, snacks, or foods home with guests or take the entire set of leftovers to a pregnancy center, charity, church, non-profit, or homeless shelter. All these places will love your gift of recycled food. Make sure to call first to see if they would like it, most places will jump on it whether for their own volunteer staff or to feed hungry clients.

When I lived in a small town a few years back, I would bring leftover juices and baked goods to our local pregnancy center - they were always super appreciative. Due to the economy, many churches and homeless shelters in some towns are completely out of food so I am positive that if you make the effort, nothing needs to go wasted.