Even if you don’t have a perfectly curated social media profile, you can still be an influencer. How? Introduce your friends to low-waste party planning when you organize the next get-together. It’s easy to get swept up in the moment when you’re having fun. Potlucks, picnics, and birthday parties can generate a ton of garbage if you’ve got a ton of friends! That’s why it’s important to learn how to organize a low-waste party—so that you can enjoy guilt-free fiestas with your loved ones, whether at home or at the park. Special events can still feel special, even with sustainable products. In this post, you’ll learn how to become a confident, low-waste party planner in three quick steps.
What does “low-waste” mean?
“Low-waste” describes an event or lifestyle that minimizes the waste that ends up in the environment. In other words, low-waste items should naturally biodegrade. It’s important to remember that zero waste is a very lofty goal, and it may not be possible for you. However, anyone can move towards a low-waste lifestyle by making simple changes to their consumption habits.
Why are low-waste parties important?
The world produces more than 14 million tons of polystyrene, or Styrofoam, every single year. A lot of that waste comes from parties: bowls, cups, and plates. If just a small percentage of party-goers swapped over to compostable products, then we could reduce the amount of plastic that ends up in the environment.
Think of it this way. Parties aren’t going anywhere! We’ll be celebrating birthdays and graduations for as long as humans exist. Even in times of social distancing, it's all the more important to have hygienic ways to serve your food and that means a lot of disposable plates bowls and cutlery. But the planet can’t handle much more plastic without clogging up our waterways and ecosystems. By learning to plan low-waste parties, you can continue to make people feel special with celebratory events while also protecting the Earth for generations to come.
Tips & Reminders for Low-Waste Parties
Swap out plastic gear for sustainable products. Look for a compostable Party Pack, which comes with plates, cutlery, cups, napkins, and straws that are completely biodegradable. Focus on theming your party with decorations and not with plastic plates.
Keep it simple. Remind your guests that it’s all about enjoying the conversation and sharing a good meal together. Let them know it’s okay to bring their own bowl or dish if you’re social distancing at an outdoor party (or worried about allergy cross-contamination).
Look to nature for decoration inspiration. You don’t need plastic streamers to create a festive atmosphere! Simply head outdoors and clip a few sprigs of whatever’s in season. Nothing sets the mood better (or is friendlier to the environment) than nature’s own ornamentation.
Now you know that low-waste doesn’t mean low-fun! You can make the simple swap to sustainability and educate your friends along the way. Remember, perfection is not the goal. Moving towards a low-waste lifestyle is a long journey of transformation. Parties are the perfect place to start if you want to change your own life while also showing others how it’s done.
Keep it simple, keep learning, and stash a few of Greenlid’s party packs in your cupboard. Now, the next time you need to plan a fete, you can focus on the people and not the waste. Happy party planning!