It's time to throw an outdoor bash! But don't forget to invite Mother Nature to the party. This summer, use these simple tips to make your event more earth friendly:

 ·  Rethink your cutlery. Disposable cutlery may be convenient, but it takes a big toll on the environment. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, Americans throw out 39 billion disposable utensils annually and most of those aren't recycled. Choose reusable cutlery instead.

 ·  Put kebabs on the menu for quicker grilling and less carbon emissions. Grilling kebabs rather than steaks or whole fish keeps grilling time to a minimum. Even better—look for reusable kebab skewers or skewers made from sustainable bamboo.

 ·  For napkins, try cloth or recycled paper. It takes millions of trees to make virgin-fiber napkins, and those napkins wind up in a landfill. Reusable cloth napkins are the friendliest alternative.