It’s tempting to trade sustainability for convenience when hosting a party, but with the right products and plan, your next party can be a success on multiple fronts. It’s possible to have fun and leave a low carbon footprint at the same time. Every year is filled with opportunities for celebration and gatherings, so here are our top seven eco-friendly party ideas:
7 Eco-Friendly Party Ideas for Any Occasion
- Plan with Time and Temperature In Mind
- Go Paperless
- Get an Accurate Headcount
- Choose Locally Grown Foods
- Decorate Wisely
- Ditch Disposable Dinnerware
- Use Clearly Labeled Waste Receptacles
1. Plan Your Party With Time and Temperature In Mind
Before you settle on a time and day for your shindig, consider the energy you’ll need to heat or cool the space. If possible, plan your event for a temperature-mild part of the day when there will be plenty of natural sunlight.
Can you plan a backyard party that requires no artificial lighting? How about an evening soiree with low lights and a warm breeze from open windows? Try to avoid an indoor party in the midst of a hot and humid summer–otherwise, you’ll be utilizing lots of energy to keep your guests cool.
2. Go Paperless
Another of our eco-friendly party ideas is using an online eInvitation or something even simpler like a social media event or email invite. If it seems appropriate, let your guests know that your party is going green and ask them to support your cause in specific ways.
Some hosts request that guests bring their own reusable dishes or cutlery. Others may encourage guests to carpool, take public transportation, or bike to the festivities.
3. Get an Accurate Headcount
Knowing how many people to expect for your eco-friendly party can help you eliminate food waste by planning portions. Most eInvitations have a simple RSVP function, and many even send periodic reminder emails to prompt guests to respond.
Tools like Facebook events offer an easy way for guests to respond as well. Before finalizing your menu and doing any shopping, follow up individually with a phone call or text message to double-check your headcount. The more accurate your headcount, the better you can avoid over-preparing (or buying) resources that might get wasted.
4. Choose Locally Grown Foods
Locally grown, organic foods have a significantly lower carbon footprint compared to foods that are sourced from several hundred miles away. Including organic and animal-product-free options in your list of eco-friendly party ideas also greatly reduces the impact on the environment. Organic foods require 30-50% less energy to produce and eliminating meat products–or at least red meat and lamb–makes a major difference.
5. Decorate Wisely
Avoid single-use party decor like balloons, streamers, plastic centerpieces, and kazoos. Instead, check your home or backyard for party-related items you can repurpose.
Chances are, you have a lovely vase that could double as a centerpiece for your buffet table. Fill it with flowers or pine cones gathered from your yard.
If you must make a decor purchase, choose sustainable products that can be reused for other occasions, like this felt table runner that can be used for multiple holidays or events.
6. Ditch Disposable Dinnerware
Use real plates made, or encourage grazing with finger foods and cloth napkins. Aside from filling up landfills, paper plates and cups require tons of water to produce. While it will take some water and energy to wash the dishes later, your overall impact is reduced when you ditch disposable items.
If reusable plates aren’t possible, look into eco-conscious and compost-friendly options. Many brands collect, flatten, and harden fallen palm tree leaves which are surprisingly sturdy and microwave-friendly.
7. Provide Clearly Labeled Waste Receptacles
Make it easy for your guests to responsibly sort their waste. Having a clear and visible plan for waste will greatly reduce your party’s carbon footprint.
Set out a recycling bin labeled with acceptable items like cans, plastic, paper or cardboard, and glass bottles. Designate one area for food waste that can be composted, and lastly, leave a trash bin for items that must go in the garbage.
Not all of these tips may appeal right away. However, making small yet mindful choices when planning your next eco-friendly party makes a big impact on the environment.
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