Hosting a celebration for a personal occasion is an expression of joy - a wedding, a birthday party, a cradle ceremony, or any festivity - a statement that is testimony to the amount of jubilation the milestone brings into life itself. Not just in the backdrop of climate change and the hullabaloo surrounding it, but also for the fact that a sustainable event is a happy place for everyone involved. A very intrinsic part of the Indian celebrations, which has wavered a little in recent years, can be put back on track. All one has to do is be aware, and sensitive to the ecological aspect at every phase of event planning - daunting as it may sound, it is not a herculean chore.

These 7 simple ways will make for a green event:

1.) Go-Green in thought, letter and spirit: Environmental friendly events not only make everyone feel good, it adds a lovely guilt-free vibe to the whole occasion. Focusing on not just making one aspect of the celebration, say return gifts/party favors, environmental friendly (saplings are a huge trend), an ecologically sustainable approach should be a conscious effort. Discussing options with the event planner on every feature is a start - food, water and facility management, decoration, post party favors - the idea is to initiate and sustain an Eco-friendly action everywhere possible.

2.) Rethink decor: It is a great idea to use decor that is reusable. Think generic decor in paper streamers, lots of potted plants and floral arrangements- wild flowers with contrasting table linen, or succulents that double up as decor and party favors at the end are smart plans. Design experts swear by the theme of bringing outdoors indoors - matching the natural surroundings not only gives an exotic ambiance, it also sets a calming mood to the whole event. Think handcrafted, recycled or up-cycled.

3.) Go carbon minimal: If it is a kids birthday party, plan games that do not require the use of plastic and insist that all gifts brought should be wrapped only in newspaper or recyclable paper. Check with the Banquet Hall for Birthday parties if a nature based scavenger hunt can be organised, or obstacle courses can be designed instead of regular party games. Nature and outdoors provide so much for the kids to learn, know and explore. Using bio-degradable cutlery, and cut out on the balloons which are not environmental friendly at all.

4.) Opt for Eco friendly venues : Planning an eco-friendly event with all green elements can be a challenge, finding a venue that is eco-friendly too could be daunting. A lot of venues feature meeting rooms built and furnished with sustainable materials, use solar power, recycle water for landscaping, and use hand loom furnishings. Hand loom fabric uses 3000 times lesser water than it's synthetic cousins. Ask the venue manager if their building has a green building certification.

5.) Support local: Use local suppliers and craftsmen - it supports the local economy, and makes the party carbon footprint smaller. Decor, catering, party favors, support staff - keep everything as local as possible. Also, include local brews to the drinks menu -not only will it add zing to the celebration, but also speaks tales of ingenuity that will be a definite party hit. (Think Feni of Goa, Judima - Assam, Kesar Kasthuri - Rajasthan, Arak - Ladakh and so many more exciting exotic options!).

6.) Minimize energy in all possible ways: Opt for a day event instead of a late evening or night event if suitable. Not only does it maximize the use of natural light, which is sustainable and consumes less power, it saves energy costs too. Hyderabad is home to a whole lot of convention centers that double up as multipurpose celebratory arenas. Consider the Best Convention Center in Kompally, Hyderabad, or Shamshabad or other areas on the outskirts accessible through the Outer Ring Road, so guests wouldn't spend extra fuel in the grinding traffic - reducing their transport footprint (and will not turn up grumpy!)

7.) Food : A great party is nothing without great food and drink. Take time and discuss in detail with the caterer and insist on the use organic and locally sourced foods . A menu planned around local, in season produce is not just healthy, but will cut down on the costs as compared to processed foods, having zero nutrition. In addition to all this, have a food waste/leftover plan.

With little changes, and some attention a green event is definitely doable. Just remember to reduce- what comes in, reuse - what is available, and recycle - all that is left over!