In the Pacific Northwest, when our long days stretch into evening, that summer sunshine we’ve waited all year to enjoy seems to beckon us to get together and celebrate. Celebrate we do, with festivals and fairs, parades and picnics all summer long.

For many of us Northwesterners, our environmental enthusiasm wanes as outdoor celebrations require convenient — and therefore disposable — utensils and supplies. All those plastic forks and knives, soiled paper plates and napkins, cups, lids and straws, used once, tossed into the trash and destined for the landfill. Overflowing trash containers are no picnic for the clean-up crew and no picnic for our environment either.

We can — and are — doing better. This summer, many large scale event planners are finding ways to make their celebrations greener.

It started back in June, when the Issaquah School District hosted a “No Waste” luncheon & training for staff. Organizers approached Waste Management and Cedar Grove Organics to help pull this off.

In addition to providing plenty of recycling and organics containers, we suggested the use of compostable paper plates and compostable utensils. Yes — disposable forks, spoons and knives that will break down in compost! The 130 district staff members were delighted to see their soiled paper plates, food scraps AND utensils all go in the compost. At the event, Waste Management also offered the district plenty of tips on how to replicate the event for students.

Issaquah’s spectacular Mountains to Sound Greenway Days also made important changes this year, especially during the Fenders on Front Street Car Show with large scale reductions in garbage. Waste Management helped by providing ample recycling stations, not just garbage containers. The event utilized a newly designed container called the Clearstream Collection Container. The simple design — a clear plastic bag hung on a wire frame — helps consumers distinguish trash containers from recycling containers. This event made recycling a visible and successful component of the celebration.

When it comes to event planning, going greener isn’t just a good idea, it’s now state law. In 2007, Washington state began requiring beverage container recycling at public festivals, sporting events and other gatherings. The consequence of not offering recycling? Not just a case of quintessentially northwestern environmental guilt, but civil fines can now be imposed too.

Issaquah is among the leaders finding greener ways. Consider the city’s new Sustainable Business Partnership. Working together, the city’s Resource Conservation Office, Waste Management and Cedar Grove Organics now provide free tailored site visits to Issaquah businesses to evaluate their waste streams and offer recommendations to improve recycling. Businesses help the environment and reduce trash collection expenses at the same time.

Expanded collection services in Issaquah assist businesses and residents alike. Not just plastics, paper, cardboard and aluminum get recycled, but now food waste too. Whether it’s leftover green salad or an uneaten hotdog, food scraps and food soiled paper, it all goes right into the yard waste bin. This means many of us can vastly change the way we clean up after ourselves and our guests.

Here are some more ideas for your next party:

• Use re-usable plates, utensils and cloth napkins. Plastic utensils can also be washed and re-used.

• Use non-coated paper plates and compostable utensils.

• Provide clearly labeled recycling collection containers.

• Ensure that containers are strategically placed next to a garbage container.

• Eliminate the use of Styrofoam and plastic tablecloths.

• If you are hosting a large event, such as a block party, and unsure about how many collection containers are required for your event, ask Waste Management for help.

It only takes a little extra effort to plan a party with your guests and the environment in mind. But you won’t believe how good it will make you feel to make a few changes. You may just want to throw another party!

For more ideas on reducing the amount of trash in your life, visit www.wmnorthwest.com or contact Katie Salinas, WM Community Relations Manager at ksalinas@wm.com.