Think Resuable and Recycled Napkins and Utensils

Even though they seem like small items, you should start green by changing the types of napkins and utensils you use for a greener eating experience.

Napkins
Napkins are tossed like tissue most of the time, so instead of leaving a pile of unfriendly trash, here's another option.

Cloth napkins are the greenest choice since they can be washed and used over and over. Find a variety of choices online at Plum Party.  Another option is to use bandanas; they come in a variety of colors and can be found at most outdoor supply and Army/Navy stores.

Utensils
Utensils are a necessity, but oftentimes they're the most wasteful.

If you're planning an outdoor party for a crowd, reusing stainless steel utensils and washing them back at home may not be the easiest or cleanest solution. When you are serving a crowd, go green with biodegradable eco-plastics like Cereplast, which is made from starches from potato, wheat or rice, all renewable and biodegradable materials.

A set of 240 eco-plastic utensils -- 80 spoons, forks and knives each -- can be safely thrown away in the trash to slowly biodegrade in a landfill or you can toss them in a compost bin, where they'll decompose more quickly.

PRICE: $19/set