Published by the Trade and Industry Information Center (TIIC) for the DTI ENERCON Management Team in support of the National EnergyEfficiency and Conservation Program. If you have Enercon tips to share, other suggestions or requested topics, please e-mail us atpublications@dti.gov.ph.

Issue No. 12 June 10, 2013

Green office party tips

Filipinos are fond of celebrations and feasts.Offices throw one of the biggest bashes wheneverit’s a holiday or an employee’s birthday. It gives

the staff more opportunity to mingle and get to knowtheir colleagues better. Yet, whenever there’smerrymaking, people tend to forget the environment.In the next office parties, we can give a more positiveimpact on Mother Earth by investing on more

eco-friendly party stuff.

Here are some things you’d like to consider on throwing an office party, which can contribute to savingnot only on your pocket but also on energy:

• e-invites. Being creative attracts more partygoersbut it will cost you more time and effort. It willalso need different materials to make goodinvitations which often end up in the trash. Tryto look for websites where you can create artisticand attractive email invites for free. Invited guests/co-workers can also send regrets through email.You can save a large amount of paper when youinitiate the e-invite.

• Eco-friendly and reusable decorations.Avoid buying disposable decorations every otherparty. Lanterns, balloons, and other stuff will onlybe put into garbage when the party is over. Lookfor reusable streamers and banners or any partyfinds so that you can save time and cash forthe next party.

• Recyclable and biodegradable table wares.Dump the disposable plates, cups, and utensilsand buy second hand party stuff on thrift stores.Another option is you can ask your officematesto donate some of their old but still usable tablewares at home.

• Food and drinks. Parties nowadays focus onwhat’s more fast and practical. Fast foodsand take-outs are the usual preparationsin the party table.

Step back a little and work the old way. You or yourco-employees can cook the food for the celebration.Try to find some organic ingredients that you caninclude in the menu. There are also availableorganic beers and wines in groceries and liquorstores. You can have a happy belly and will not feelguilty afterwards.

• Cleanup. Provide a nearby recycle bin so thatthe guests won’t just put their trash anywhere.Bring washable rags or recycled paper towels

that you can use when you clean up after the party.

By Kit Andaya