Partying isn’t limited to drinks, food, and decor. It’s actually more about spending quality time with your loved ones, cherishing memories, and creating moments that last a lifetime.
With the world facing environmental issues, it’s now our responsibility to reduce, reuse, and recycle wherever possible. Eco-friendly parties are a beautiful way to celebrate and also show that we care for our planet. It’s an excellent way to raise awareness about sustainability among our friends and family.
So if you’re looking to throw a party that doesn’t hurt the environment, here are some eco-friendly ideas to incorporate into your parties! Whether it’s a birthday celebration, a dinner party, or even a wedding reception, there are plenty of ways to reduce waste, reuse materials, and still leave a lasting impression at your party.
Before We Start, Save These Eco-Friendly Party Ideas On Pinterest
The Invitations
You can save money, paper, and reduce waste by sending online invitations. You can use websites like Paperless Post, Evite, or even Canva to create beautiful and personalized invitations. And trust us when we say that it is too easy to use those platforms for a fun design (you don’t need any kind of experience).
Going paperless and using a platform such as Canva is also going to save you money!
If you prefer paper invitations, then consider choosing recycled paper or seed paper invitations. Seed paper invitations can even be planted after the party, leaving you with a lovely reminder of your day.
The Decor
When it comes to eco-friendly parties, the decor is where you can get creative and have some fun. Instead of buying new decorations, take a look around your house and see what you already have that can be repurposed. Mason jars, tin cans, and glass bottles can be transformed into beautiful vases for flowers or candles. Old fabric scraps can be turned into bunting or table runners.
If you don’t want to buy new decorations, opt for sustainable products, or products that can be reusable multiple times. For example, if you are going to be serving food at your party (which of course you are!), consider using something like these EAT Charcuterie Letters that can be used not only multiple times but also for just about any type of party/event you can think of. This way, you won’t have to buy new decor every time you throw a party.
In the long run, practicing this is going to save you much more money than if you were to buy single use items every time you host a party.
The Food and Drinks
The best part of any party is the food and drinks, but it can also be the source of a lot of waste. To reduce waste, consider using reusable plates, glasses, and cutlery instead of disposable ones. If that’s not an option, opt for biodegradable or compostable options.
When it comes to food, try to use locally sourced and organic ingredients. This way, you support local businesses and reduce the environmental impact of transporting food long distances.
You can also provide guests with reusable straws or biodegradable straws instead of plastic.
If you’re serving wine, consider buying a wine chiller, such as the Glasi Ice Mold Wine Chiller, instead of using disposable ice buckets. This not only reduces waste but also looks elegant and adds a unique touch to your party. Oh, and did we mention you can reuse it for future parties?
Lastly, instead of buying bottled drinks, consider making your own homemade drinks like lemonade or iced tea. This not only reduces waste but also tastes much better!
Oh, and did we mention this option is the cheaper alternative…
The Clean-Up
One of the biggest contributors to waste at parties is often the clean-up process. To reduce waste, consider using cloth napkins instead of paper ones. They can be washed and reused for future parties.
For cleaning up spills, use reusable cloths or sponges instead of paper towels. And if you do end up using disposable items, make sure they are biodegradable or compostable.
For the tablecloths, consider using fabric instead of disposable plastic ones. You can also purchase biodegradable tablecloths made from materials like bamboo or paper.
You can also put out recycling and compost bins in different areas clearly marked and encourage guests to use them. This will not only reduce waste but also make the clean-up process much easier.
Consider a Potluck
Instead of taking on all the cooking yourself, consider having a potluck where each guest brings their own dish. This not only reduces waste but also allows for a variety of dishes and takes some pressure off the host (aka YOU).
There’s nothing more disheartening than overestimating the quantity of food required for a party, only to find yourself with platters full of uneaten appetizers/main dishes throughout the night. If you don’t opt for the potluck idea, to prevent a bunch of food waste, try to get an accurate headcount before the event so that you can make an informed estimation of food.
Consider Borrowing (Let’s Make it Normal)
It’s not always ideal to buy a bunch of brand-new decor items that you’re only going to use once. Instead, consider borrowing items from friends and family for decorations and tableware.
Or create a communal party supply box with your friends so that you can all share items for different parties and events. This not only saves money but also reduces waste and promotes a sense of community.
Don’t Forget to Save These On Pinterest
Share Your Eco-Friendly Party Ideas
Throwing an eco-friendly party can be fun, creative, and help reduce our impact on the environment. By incorporating these ideas into your parties, you not only show that you care about sustainability but also inspire others to do the same.
So let’s all take a step towards a greener lifestyle and have some fun while we’re at it! Keep celebrating and finding ways to make our parties more sustainable. Remember, small changes can make a big difference.
Do you have more ideas for throwing an eco-friendly party? Share them with us and inspire others to join in on the movement towards a more sustainable lifestyle.
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