Folks travel from near and far each summer to gather with families and feast on pot-luck. Check out some excellent tips on how to green up your next family reunion.
Article by Jessica Blair
Folks travel from near and far each summer to gather with families and feast on pot-luck. Well, at least my family does. And, according to the Travel Industry Association, one in every three adults has joined in the festivities in the past three years. While we keep our annual get together low-key and at a state park (most of us live within an hour or two from each other), I can't say that I mind the idea of some out-of-state bonding.
The Antlers at Vail, an eco-friendly property in Colorado that specializes in family reunions by offering big, breezy condos perfect for housing several generations, offers some tips for making your reunion a little greener.
Water Mark – Staying hydrated is always important. Consider providing family members with refillable water bottles when they arrive. Check the bottle’s recycling symbol; safe, non-toxic plastic options include 2 (high density polyethylene), 4 (low density polyethylene) or 5 (polypropylene).
Walk the Walk – Hold your reunion near plenty of attractions and activities to reduce driving – and appeal to family members of all ages. Look for bike trails, hiking and shuttle buses.
Picture Perfect - Disposable cameras are so last year. Go digital to eliminate chemical processing and waste. Camerarenter.com will rent your group digital cameras, fully insured, and even create a free picture sharing website for your family after the reunion.
Fresh Air – Choose a location with natural ventilation to reduce carbon emissions from air conditioning.
Can the Trash – Ask the catering department about its environmental practices, and choose a properties that uses china dishes, cutlery and linens plus bulk dispensers for condiments to reduce waste. Look for dedicated bins in guest rooms and public areas that also encourage recycling.
Bag It – Provide family members with an environmentally friendly tote bag to use during the reunion. A side benefit? It’s perfect for carrying groceries when guests return home.
Green Eats – Eating local food reduces transportation emissions, processing and packaging. Visit a farmers’ market for the freshest food and a fun, festival atmosphere.
Originally Posted by Jessica Blairgreenglobetrotter.blogspot.com/2008/08/greening-your-family-reunion.html