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19 | Friday, December 11, 2015 | OAKVILLE BEAVER | www.insideHALTON.com Advertorial `Tis the season for a green Christmas party Planning a party this season? Help reduce waste and the impact on the environment by thinking green. From décor to food, making a few small changes can go a long way. Here are some tips to keep in mind. Invites Go paper-free and reduce waste by sending invites electronically. Encourage guests to car pool, share a taxi or take public transit to and from the party. Décor Instead of purchasing new décor, think of all the items that can be used from around your home, yard and neighbourhood, from garland made of dried apple or orange slices to glass bowls filled with pine cones. Forget cut flowers and decorate with festive plants that can be added to the garden in the spring. Save energy by using energyefficient lighting. Food Serve locally sourced, organic or sustainable food options where possible. Compost leftover food waste and if sending food home with your guests use recyclable containers. Opt for reusable dinnerware, glasses, cutlery and napkins. If disposable items are necessary, make sure they can be recycled. Gifts Encourage guests to make a donation to an environment organization, such as TD Friends of the Environment Foundation, in lieu of a hostess gift or greeting card. Hosting a holiday party that's better for the environment will not only feel good, it will make a difference that guests are sure to appreciate. (NC) 2015 Oakville Santa ClauS Parade award winnerS BeSt Overall winner BeSt COmmerCial entry Runner Up Honourable Mention (tie) BeSt COmmunity entry Runner Up Honourable Mention BeSt SChOOl Runner Up (tie) Honourable Mention Oakville Academy For The Arts Oakville Academy For The Arts Live to Dance Oakville Hydro IUOE Local 793 1st Trafalgar Scout Group Oakville Parent Child Centre Walton United Church White Oaks Secondary School St. Mildred's-Lightbourn School T.A. Blakelock High School St. Thomas Aquinas Secondary School The Buckley Family Cheerforce Wolfpack Classical Martial Arts Giant Inflatable Snowman Inflatable Elves Inflatable Candy Canes Cotton Bunny Turtle Live To Dance Academy Oakville Academy For the Arts Walton United Church Halton Regional Police Services Pipes and Drums White Oaks Secondary School Marching Band Oakville Army Cadets Lauren Klacza Cathy Whittaker Make sure your loved ones get home safely! Arrange Taxi transportation for them during the holidays! BeSt walking grOuP Runner Up Honourable Mention BeSt maSCOt winner Runner Up (tie) Honourable Mention (tie) PeOPle'S ChOiCe BeSt FlOat winner runner up Honourable Mention PeOPle'S ChOiCe BeSt Band winner Runner Up Honourable Mention SOCial media winnerS BeSt Parade atmOSPhere BeSt Parade PhOtO