Eco Party Planning Tips

It’s just beginning to feel like springtime, but you may already be dreaming and scheming up summer BBQs, pool parties, and other social events. Before you get swept up in a theme, let's plan for an environmentally friendly bash!

Here are some tips to help guide your planning:

Avoid Single-Use Items

This tops most of our sustainability lists, and for good reason! Integrating reusable items into your life is the easiest way to implement sustainable practices. For parties, avoiding single-use items might mean using glass dishware and utensils instead of paper or plastic. 

If you decide to go with a single-use item, choose ones that are compostable. They’re easier to find than you might think. And be sure they make it into the compost when you’re done! If it ends up in the landfill it doesn’t much matter if it was compostable.

Check out Your Local Upcycle Group

Upcycling is an amazing alternative to give items a second lease on life. Head online and check out Marketplace, or trading apps like Bunz to see what is out there before you buy new.

You can also upcycle your used decorations! Many people would consider paper decor single use but if it’s still in good shape try passing it on in your local upcycle group if you won’t use it again. You might be surprised who might appreciate some free decor.

Reuse What You Can

Again – a top solution to be more sustainable. At your next party try to save and reuse items that are typically single-use. For example, you can wash and reuse plastic solo cups or plastic utensils instead of throwing them away.

Get creative with avoiding things generally considered single-use. Consider laminating activity sheets so they can be used again and again. 

For décor look around the house and use items you already have. Maybe you have candles, vases, or other household items that can be upcycled as centerpieces for your party. Pinterest is a wealth of knowledge for those that like to craft.

Rent, Borrow, or Thrift 

It’s always best to reuse instead of buying new. And rentals are a great way to reuse the same items over and over without having to buy them yourself. There are many great rental companies out there, and they have more available than you may realize. You can rent everything from dishes and glassware, backdrops, centerpieces, and other decorations - even cotton candy makers.

Looking for something in particular but don’t want to pay rental fees? Ask a friend, you’d be surprised what people have just laying around the house. Alternatively, check out your local thrift store or upcycle group for a steal of a deal on decor, platters, you name it!

Once you start looking, you’ll find that almost anything you need can be rented, returned, and reused.

Pick Sustainable Alternatives

When it comes to invitations, or décor, try to find a sustainable option. Rather than using plain paper that will be thrown away, try using seed paper. This way guests can plant the paper when they’re done and enjoy flowers, herbs, or even veggies from the paper!

If seed paper isn’t in the budget, another alternative is simply picking paper over plastic. Paper or cardboard decorations will biodegrade much more quickly than plastic, making it the more sustainable choice.

Remember: once you add glitter, foil, or other things that make invitations fun, your “paper” item is no longer recyclable. Perhaps you can even consider ditching invitations altogether or choosing an e-invite instead.

Be Mindful of Favours

Party favours are a nice touch – but let’s ditch the goodies that will just get thrown away. Instead pick something like a potted plant, or jar of preserves that people can use and enjoy, but don’t create excess waste.

Another option is to ditch the favours all together – ask yourself do people really need to walk away with a gift at the end of the night?

Choose the Menu Wisely

That’s right, even the food you serve at parties can be more sustainable! When choosing what to serve, be mindful of where the ingredients come from. Buy your veggies from a local grower or farmer’s market. Or you can integrate ingredients from your own garden!

If you’re really wanting to go sustainable, you can always go meatless. You can head online and find some amazing meatless meals that are incredibly tasty and will leave your guests feeling full and satisfied.

Do You Need Gifts?

It’s customary to give gifts at parties – whether for a birthday, Christmas, or even a host gift. But do you really need to exchange or receive gifts?

If you decide yes, you would like to give and/or receive, then maybe consider a group gift. This way everyone can help contribute to one item making it more affordable and less wasteful. Or, you can always have a regifting party where everyone brings in an item to re-gift. Personally I love a book regifting where everyone shares their favourite reads.

Great for All Ages

Don’t think you can only use these tips for your next dinner party. These sustainable tips are great for parties for all ages!

Now you’re armed and ready to throw a party for your friends and family in sustainable fashion!

Have more eco-party planning tips? Share them in the comments.