It’s the roaring twenties again and we’ve ascended into the realm of a post-pandemic world. Parties and gatherings, no matter how big or small, have made a much-awaited comeback, and we’ve learned to not take these moments for granted. This is why it’s important that we party like we’re in 2022, with a zero-waste party plan that leaves no carbon footprint and is easy on the planet.
There is literally no downside to an eco-friendly party. All it takes is a little pre-planning, a few supplies, and some creativity. Don’t know where to start? Here’s a little guide for going waste-free for your next big (or small) shindig.
Make a Sustainable Statement with the Invite: You can set the tone for your party with the invitation itself. Embrace paperless and opt for an e-invite accustomed to your theme. You can get creative or choose from countless templates online. If you’re still keen on traditional paper invites, opt for eco-friendly and plantable seed paper that will grow into something beautiful or delicious!
Keep it Real with Earth-Friendly Décor: If you haven’t experimented with natural décor, you’re missing out. Mother Earth has some beautiful, otherworldly bounties that make for the most captivating décor. Think florals, ferns, fruits, twigs, and more florals! You can stay true to your color palette and even think of using dried foliage for an understated look. You can also focus on all kinds of lighting décor, and eco-friendly paper décor to mix things up.
Break Out the China for Table Essentials: It’s easy to fall for disposables and their convenience, especially when you think of the cleaning job after. But there’s no denying that we’re making a gigantic, wasteful, and hazardous mess in choosing that. Don’t be afraid to break out the good china, or some stunning ceramics and glassware. It’s a cleaning job but it’s worth it. Besides, stunning tableware always doubles up as décor!
Pro-tip: Keep your washing machine empty so you can throw in all your cloth napkins for a quick wash right after hosting.
Make a Failproof Food-Waste Plan: Prep and planning go a long way in avoiding food waste. Here are a few tips to help you curb food wastage.
- Make an audit of your guest’s eating preferences and stick to the catering industry portion size of two helpings per person.
- Keep seasonal food in mind while planning your menu and prioritize local produce.
- Set up a food compost bin and request your guests to get some tiffins to take home party leftovers. You can also tie up with a local shelter to send all the extra goodies to.
Feel Good Party Favours: Party favors are a tricky deal, most guests either love their little token or hate it. Either way, party favors tend to be pretty wasteful if not thought out carefully. Here are a few of our favorite Earth-friendly options!
- Kids: Eco crayons, natural play dough, candy, organic art supplies
- Adults: Herb kits, plants & succulents, local/homegrown honey or chocolate, natural consumables (organic candles, lotions, wines, etc.)
P.S Ditch the plastic for packaging and go for cloth bags, potlis, ribbons, jars, or jute.
Fun, kind, and guilt-free, there’s no better way to throw a party than an Earth-friendly party. Small changes make a big difference, you don’t have to get everything right the first time. If you’re not in a position to switch to zero-waste completely, start with one department at a time. But start somewhere, because, in all honesty, zero waste is not a choice but a necessity.
