Planning a big event is stressful enough. But if you’re a green consumer (like us), the logistics can be a nightmare. How can you possibly ensure that every detail is eco-friendly, but still looks and tastes exactly how you envisioned?

Philly’s own 12th Street Catering was founded with that unique dilemma in mind. Owner Michele Leff created the business in 1994 as a way to cater weddings, parties, meetings, and other events, while keeping the entire process — from cooking to clean-up — as sustainable as possible.

“At 12th Street Catering, we take great pride in the fact that ‘going green’ is part of our everyday philosophy,” its website states.

It’s one of the only catering companies in Philly that follows such a model. And as a proud member of the Sustainable Business Network, 12th Street does it well. But it’s not as easy as it sounds.

Here are just some of the ways that 12th Street Catering keeps its carbon footprint microscopic:

• Incorporates fresh, seasonal, and local ingredients into dishes
• Sources veggies, herbs, and wildflowers from its own rooftop garden
• Uses your choice of reusable china or biodegradable plates and utensils that are made from fallen palm leaves and cornstarch
• Recycles everything possible
• Uses compostable trash bags
• Composts leftover ingredients at its onsite composting facility

12th Street’s style of food can’t really be pinned down. Dishes range from Thai to Italian to Mexican, but with only one thing in common: creative flare. Take your pick of crab cake sliders or espresso crusted steak, or go crazy at a create-your-own stuffed mushroom bar. And of course, there are plenty of vegetarian options.

No matter what, though, you can ensure that with 12th Street, quality won’t be sacrificed for sustainability. Your best event, guilt (and stress) free.

 Check out 12 Street’s site for menus, venues, and contact info — and even a blog for the latest recipes and event planning tips!

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Brianna is a Philly-based journalist and Baltimore native with a passion for reporting on urban sustainability and environmental justice. In her free time, she's an amateur vegetarian chef, Harry Potter trivia champion and occasional world traveler. View all posts by Brianna Baker