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Green Bar / Bat Mitzvah

In making your decisions, here are some overall thoughts to keep in mind:

Consider the various materials and items you need for the celebration. Many of them can probably be borrowed or rented or may not be necessary at all – sometimes less is more! If you have to buy, choose green products.
Ask close friends and relatives if they would like to pitch in by bringing homemade food or a hand-made centerpiece
Buy green by choosing local, organic, recycled, or fair trade products.
If you can’t go completely green, try committing to two or three things that are most important to you and your family, like using recycled paper plates or serving local, organic food at the reception.

Print invitations on 100% PCW recycled paper processed without chlorine. Include a short line encouraging guests to recycle the invitations.
Create a website for your event with all of the travel, lodging, directions and other details you would include in the invitation, and only print out cards with this info for guests without internet access.

Look through your closet for appropriate outfits before heading out to shop. If you have to buy, consider buying vintage or from a resale clothing store.
Buy a garment made from organic cotton, bamboo, hemp, silk or recycled fabrics. Check to make sure the clothes are fair trade and made with sweat-shop free labor.

Look for a caterer who serves food made from organic, local sources.
If it’s up to you to provide the tableware for the party, consider renting flatware, dishes and glasses in lieu of disposable plates and cups. Or choose biodegradable, compostable items – a web search for “compostable plates and cups” will give several options
Serve local beer and wine instead of varieties that are shipped long distances.
Avoid bottled water and have carafes of water at each table instead.

Look for a florist that uses local, organic flowers.
Use potted plants instead of cut flowers. The plants can be given as gifts or can decorate your home after the party is over.
Edible centerpieces – made of fruit or vegetables – are attractive decorations that can be given to family, friends or a local food bank afterwards.

Make your celebration carbon-neutral by purchasing carbon offsets. Check out Native Energy for more information.
Keeping the reception site at the synagogue or holding it at a nearby location will keep your guests from needing to drive between the two sites. Also, providing a shuttle service or urging guests to carpool is a good idea.

Print the programs on recycled, chlorine-free paper or forgo the programs entirely.
Have a friend or family member collect the programs afterward for recycling, and be sure to print a short line in the program asking your guests to give their program to the collector or recycle it themselves instead of throwing it away.

Donate the money you would have spent purchasing material items to your favorite organization. Let your guests know that their favor was a charitable donation by printing it in the program or setting up a notice board at the party.
Handmade favors give a nice, personal touch. Little things you can make from recycled or organic materials are quick and environmentally friendly.
Buy greener favors by sticking to organic, recycled, locally made or fair trade items

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