July 31st, 2009

By Sommer Saadi
Green Right Now

A chat with Danny Seo, author of Simply Green Parties: Simple and Resourceful Ideas for Throwing the Perfect Celebration, Event or Get-Together, creator of the Simply Green line of eco-friendly houseware items sold in JCPenney stores, newspaper columnist and green contributor to Better Homes and Gardens magazine:

1. Which of your 50 ideas in the book is your favorite to offer people who are interested in throwing a green party?

That’s such a hard question to answer, but I think I use the summer entertaining tips the most because, frankly, that’s when I entertain.   I like the ideas that reuse or repurpose something we all already have and easily incorporate into a party.  For example, filling a birdbath (scrub it clean first!) or a wheelbarrow as a wine/beer/soda chilling station is one easy idea.  Just fill with ice, insert the beverages and let them chill.  The melted ice can be a cool drink for birds or just used to water plants when the party is over.

I also like to take solar lights — the kind we all have staked in the ground around the driveway or sidewalk — and hang them on hooks in one large tree.  They look like glowing lanterns and you don’t need any special electrical wiring.  When the party is over, just unhook and put them back where you got ‘em.

2. What inspired you to write this particular book?

I’ve been throwing events and parties for a very long time and nothing makes you feel more awful than seeing giant bags of trash filling up at the end of the party.  Nothing festive about that.  So, I thought it would be fun to show some clever, resourceful and inexpensive ideas someone at home could do.  I threw six real parties for my friends and shared all the tips and ideas from those actual parties.

3. What simple advice do you often give to convince people being green is not a struggle?

I tell people it’s easier than ever before.  I’m planning a beach party right now and I have to do it on a budget. So, I just came back from JCPenney (which features Seo’s designs) where they had these great quick-drying cotton towels — it’s a special weave that makes them dry faster — but the faster drying quality means they’ll stay dryer at the beach and won’t get mildew-y.  And, the best part? They were just $7.  You can also get green cleaning supplies dirt cheap and that work effectively, too.  For every party, I have a little bucket with a stack of microfiber towels and Method (for whom he’s a spokesman) all-purpose cleaning spray.  It works on all surfaces and the microfibers are machine washable.

The point is this: green is everywhere now and you can find quality, great products in price-sensitive, value-driven stores. No need to spend a lot; just be wise how you spend.

4. What should people keep in mind when they are throwing a green party?

LESS IS MORE! Food waste is a huge problem. When you throw away uneaten potato salad, burgers and pies, it doesn’t just end up in a landfill to quickly biodegrade. Instead, since landfills are so airtight to prevent leakage of chemicals into the ground, the leftover food degrades into methane gas. That methane gas then contributes to the depletion of the ozone layer, causing the planet to heat up.

Basically, you don’t have to create an all-you-eat buffet for your friends and family. One or two good sides, a good entrée and a light dessert is really all people want. And here’s another tip: try to do it all vegetarian or keep veggie options on hand for your meat-free guests.

And I’ll give a very fun and easy tip: skip the paper napkins for reusable ones. Don’t mess up your fancy antique linens, but use cotton bandannas as napkins.  They’re fun, colorful and machine washable.

5. And where do you find the motivation to live such a completely green lifestyle?

It’s a bit inherent now and I can just tell if something I’m doing is not so kind to the planet. It’s a bit of an obsession of mine to come up with ideas and solutions for people and share them in my magazine columns, books, TV shows, etc.  I really want to make it as accessible and simple for people as possible, and I think we’re achieving that.

I never look at green living like medicine: it’s good for you. Nobody wants to take their medicine. I look at it as a way of life that’s healthier, more gorgeous and just a better way of living. I love it.

Copyright © 2009 Green Right Now | Distributed by Noofangle Media