Pre-Party

Try paperless invitations. Check out the fun options on Web sites such as www.evite.com, or attach a PDF invite to an e-mail. If you do choose paper invites, try recycled. “Recycled paper styles look great and have amazing texture,” Dang says.

Décor

Employ reusable centerpiece items, like glass vases or juice jars filled with fruits or vegetables that can be used later. Dang also suggests adopting a small tree and tying it with a reused ribbon. Plant the tree when the party’s over.

Use real plates, cups and silverware when possible. Or, use biodegradable, sustainable, single-use options from companies such as Styrophobia and Bambu. 

Instead of candles, try long-lasting, rechargeable LED lights, which are brighter, safer, cleaner and more durable than candles.

Food & Drink

Go organic for your guests whenever possible. Cook or serve up the tastiest foods from locally owned shops and farmers’ markets, or look into having your party catered by a restaurant specializing in local, organic foods.

Let guests sip on locally made drinks, such as sodas from Waialua Soda Works.

Set up recycling stations for used bottles and cans.