How to Host a Green Super Bowl Party

Nothing beats getting together to watch the game, eating, drinking, and having fun. But did you know that you can do all that and still be kind to the environment? Here are some ways you can make your Super Bowl party environmentally friendly and have more fun than ever.

Step 1

Go electronic with the invitations. Instead of printing and mailing invitations, save the paper and send all your invitations out by email. You not only cut down on your paper consumption, but also get the invitations on the way in a lot less time.

Step 2

Keep the surroundings simple. Many people spend a lot of money on decorations that everybody notices when they come in, and then never think about again. Don't buy any new decorations this year. Instead, see what you already have around the house and figure out some new and creative ways to use the stuff. In any event, it you just add a few simple festive touches instead of going all out, you'll save yourself hours of putting up and taking down decorations.

Step 3

Make all the eats using food that is local. Buy your beer from a local brewery, make snacks and sandwiches using fruits and vegetables purchased at the local farmer's market. This one simple aspect helps make your party less dependant on the need to use fossil fuels to transport the food from across the country, or possibly across the world.

Step 4

Use your usual dishware and cutlery. While paper plates and disposable glasses and cutlery are convenient, they are not necessary environmentally friendly. It really won't take that long to wash the dishes, anyway.

Step 5

Share the wealth. Unless you want to be eating leftovers for the next several days, invite each of your guests to bring along a small container they can use to take some of the snacks home. This prevents the food from being thrown out a few days down the road, when you are so sick of it that the idea of one more bite causes severe gastronomical distress. Alternatively, arrange the leftovers on a reusable but cheap platter, wrap it with cellophane and a bow, and give them to that elderly neighbor down the street, or the family across the street who have several children. Everybody will be happier.

Tips and Warnings

Keep in mind that the idea is to use green ideas when and as you can. Don't guilt yourself into not enjoying the party because you couldn't get locally brewed beer or have to use disposable plates because you don't have enough real ones to go around. The idea is to make the best use of what you have, not make you feel bad about not having more.