10 Tips for a Holly Jolly Low-Waste Party

Guests enjoying food that doesn't require knives and forksAre you thinking about parties and events in a different way lately?  Does it bother you to see large piles of plastic trash bags filled with disposable plates, balloons, and plastic tablecloths that were the center of attention for about 30 minutes?   Here are ten GREEN tips to get you started on a more sustainable, low-waste party this holiday season, no matter which custom you’re celebrating:

  1. When you get your boxes of stored decorations from the depths of the closet, under the bed, or down from the attic, assess what you have and what you’re not using anymore. Invite neighbors or friends to bring their unused items and see what you can swap!   One person’s old wreath is another person’s treasure, or something like that.Ladies exchanging unused clothes
  2. If you have extra holiday decorations, sweaters, toys, etc. now is a good time to take them to a secondhand store. It’s the best chance for them to find a new home while they’re in the current season.
  3. Don’t be concerned about wearing a previous year’s outfit! Santa has worn the same suit for many years and no one objects.
  4. Before reaching for the mouse to click on something new, see what you can borrow! Tables, extra chairs, platters, decorations, often sit unused.  Ask around. Or at least visit a local secondhand store to pick up usable items at a fraction of the cost of new.
  5. Use cut evergreens, pinecones, and other natural materials set in jelly jars or washed aluminum cans instead of purchasing cut flowers. You’ll not only have naturally beautiful arrangements, but you’ll also save money.  Then simply put them on the compost pile when they start to fade.
  6. Make your own food, or host a pot-luck event. If you do purchase food, be mindful of how the food is packaged to avoid Styrofoam and other non-recyclable, wasteful items.Cut veggies with dip in shot glasses
  7. Consider serving foods that are easy to pick up with fingers, such as wooden skewers with grilled veggies, cheeses and cut up vegetables, and seasonal cookies – all of which don’t require a knife and fork.
  8. Get out your regular plates, candle holders, pottery bowls, cups, and yes, tablecloth and cloth napkins! You’ll enjoy the atmosphere it creates, your guests will feel special, and most people have a dishwasher and a few friends to help with cleanup.
  9. When you’re putting leftover food in the fridge, choose silicone resealable bags and cloth bowl covers for keeping your food fresh, instead of single-use baggies, and plastic wrap. You’ll save a lot of money in the future by keeping these items in stock in your kitchen.
  10. Remember that it’s good to aim for progress, not perfection. Even a few small changes can have an impact to reduce the amount of waste that goes to the landfill after your event.

Be proud of your sustainable GREEN self!  It will save you money and encourage others to do the same!