Issues > May/June 2006 (#114) > Green Partying: Five Easy Steps

Green Partying: Five Easy Steps

by Maureen Ryan

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about MAUREEN RYAN

Maureen Ryan is a freelance writer living in Chicago. Her work has appeared in the Boston Globe, the New York Post, Time Out New York and Natural Health magazine, among other publications.

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Pull the Plug on PVC

Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is a common material for outdoor furniture and coating for picnic tablecloths, but its production and incineration emit carcinogenic dioxins that end up in our food and milk. Additives like neurotoxic lead and hormone-disrupting phthalates only make PVC more toxic. Clean hands after hanging string lights, since they can be coated in lead residue (U.S.-manufactured lights are less likely to contain lead). At your next event, skip vinyl shade umbrellas, upholstery, tablecloths, PVC-lined picnic baskets and tote bags. Let retailers know the party's over for PVC (see Roll Back on PVCs). For alternatives, see "Lighting/Dimming" and "Furniture: Clean and Green Structure" in GG #111; more options can be found at www.abundantearth.com and at www.greenearthofficesupply.com.

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Photo: Green Partying: Five Easy Steps

Desserts
It's getting easier all the time to find organic treats at local bakeries, patisseries and creameries. Or for nationwide shipping, try:

*Dancing Deer Baking Co.'s decadent preservative-free cakes and cookies, freshly baked when you order (cookie packages start at $14.50, $19.50/cake; www.dancingdeer.com, 888-699-DEER).

*Organic lemon raspberry or chocolate cheesecakes ($34.95) or fruit pies ($26) come flying to your rescue from Diamond Organics (www.diamondorganics.com).

*Global Exchange sells Fair Trade Certified Gold Coin chocolates stamped with fair-trade messages ($6.99/40 pieces; www.globalexchange.org).

Beverages
*R. W. Knudsen's Organic Juices are in great taste for any age group, in Concord Grape, Blueberry Pomegranate and Orange Carrot ($2 and up; www.knudsenjuices.com).

*Frey Vineyards, in the Redwood Valley of California, has produced award-winning organic and biodynamic sulfite-free wines since 1980 ($7.50 and up; www.freywine.com).

*Samuel Smith Organic Ale & Lager, from the Old Brewery in Tadcaster, England, is delicate, fruity and full of fresh hops (prices vary; www.merchantduvin.com). Wolaver's refreshing Organic Beers, brewed in Middlebury, Vermont, contain a special house yeast (prices vary; www.wolavers.com).

*Maison Jomere distills certified organic spirits. Their Juniper Green Organic London Dry Gin has received numerous awards, and their Papagayo Organic Spiced Rum is made from organically grown sugarcane and is as smooth as can be. Not to mention the UK 5 Organic Vodka (prices vary; www.maisonjomere.com).

*New find: Sacred Grounds' certified organic coffee is grown on small, family farms (starting at $9.95/12-oz. bag; www.sacredgroundscoffee.com, 800-425-2532).

*For more brands, see the Wine, Beer and Coffee Product Reports at www.thegreenguide.com.

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Filed under: Holidays, Decorating, Green living

Green Guide 114 | May/June 2006 | For Your Home