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As you get ready to celebrate the graduates in your life, why not make sure your graduation-related events are green? Have you seen any green components incorporated into your school's graduation ceremonies? What are some good ideas on how to make graduation more eco-friendly? Has your school started recycling robes? Using organic flowers? Printing diplomas on recycled paper? Let us know!

Read about how some schools are greening their graduation ceremonies here.

It’s graduation time! Yay! Time to whoop and holler and throw those hats in the air! And then, of course, pick them up and brush them off because you are cool and green and have RENTED your cap and gown and plan on giving it back for future graduates to enjoy. So how do you kick off a new chapter in the lives of your graduating loved ones and still stick to your environmental hopes, desires and dreams?

Green Grad Celebrations
Here’s a great way to bring climate awareness into your graduation festivities:
Make it The Theme! Imagine a beautiful, homemade, recycled paper banner that reads:

WELCOME TO MY GREEN GRADUATION!!

By officially “greening” your celebration, you can add a layer of excitement and participation that will be fun for all involved. Green is the new black after all, so why not make the big day as cool and cutting edge as possible? (Tip: Don’t say the words “cool” or “cutting edge” to your grad – they will instantly think that the idea is NOT cool OR cutting edge) Graduating is about starting anew and starting anew is what green is all about! So combine the two and have the best eco-grad party ever!

The Beauty of an eVite!
No paper, no waste, no cost – No Brainer! Compose a single invitation and send it to all! For those invitees who don’t have or use a computer (like my Mom) you can get a few invitations made from recycled paper. Or make your own from old magazines, wrapping paper or fabric.

Party in the daytime
Reduce your power consumption by celebrating while the sun is still working. If you party on into the night, use the event as an opportunity to try energy saving alternatives – rechargeable batteries, candles, energy saving bulbs – have everyone bring their favorite “green” energy saving idea!

No Disposables
Skip the plastic cups and cutlery, ditch the paper plates and napkins and use real old fashioned dishes, cups and silverware. If you HAVE to use something disposable, don’t dispose! Just wash and save for the next event! There are also biodegradable plates, cups and utensils available out there for purchase. We found a whole eco-party supply at http://www.greeneventshop.com/ where you can order what you need for any special event.

Organic for Sure – Vegetarian if You Can
As we’ve mentioned in past blogs on food, organic is best for you and the planet! Most health food stores and many conventional markets are now carrying an organic version of many snack items – chips, dips, popcorn, fruits and veggies. Dessert items like cakes and cookies can be homemade using organic flour! As far as main dishes go, vegetarian is best! However, if your grads are meat lovers, try to buy organic, free-range meats, staying away from beef if possible, as it is the biggest suck on the environment.

Recycled Gifts
There are many eco-friendly things that you can give your Grad that are meaningful, useful and will be greatly appreciated. The best part is that while you want them to be nice, they don’t always have to be new. Some recycled gift ideas include:

•  Pots and pans
• Towels/blankets/sheets
• Jewelry
• Clothing/Shoes
• Keepsakes/Mementos
• Books/Movies
• Music/Musical Instrument
• Sports Equipment
• Antiques/Furniture
• Luggage

New eco-gifts might include:

•  Organic cotton bedding/towels/clothing
• Reusable water bottle
• Gift Certificate to a health food store (Whole Foods)
• Soy Candles
• Carbon Offsets for that flight to Europe!
• A Hybrid Car!

Congratulations from Live Earth to all the grads!