It is that time of the year where party after party is the order of the day. Carousers angle themselves to maximize their enjoyment, sometimes forgetting to care for the environment. As the event organizer, you must take the foremost responsibility to ensure the merrymakers have the best time, but in an eco-friendly way.
This requires that you know how to throw an eco-friendly party for your guests. Throwing an eco-friendly party is a fantastic way to celebrate while minimizing your environmental impact. Furthermore, it provides a sustainable way to do business in the hostile economic environment prevailing today.
We have done deep research by consulting experienced outdoor and indoor event organizers, environmentalists, and experts in the hospitality industry. From this, we have narrowed down several practical ways to organize an environmentally conscious party.
Here are some tips to help you host a sustainable and eco-friendly gathering:
Digital Invitations are the Way:
Paper comes from trees, and plants are the lifeline of the environment. Traditionally, invitations were made on an elaborately designed card made of high-quality paper. Technology has changed this, and today there is a digital invitation as well.
Opt for digital invitations to reduce paper waste. The creation of social media platforms has revolutionized the digital world today. Using online platforms or social media to create and send invitations is a perfect way to host a sustainable and eco-friendly party this season.
A Sustainable Venue is Perfect
The venue where you can host parties runs the gamut, but it must be specific and strategic. However, you have the responsibility to choose a venue that promotes sustainability. Examples include parks, gardens, or a location with eco-friendly practices.
What if you intend to host the party at home? Consider the outdoor space to minimize the need for energy-consuming heating or cooling. Natural light also reduces energy consumption, especially if the event is hosted for an extended period of time, day and night.
Sustainable and Eco-friendly Decor
Decorations are invaluable parts of parties. Traditionally, event organizers used artificial decorations made of non-biodegradable materials that polluted the environment. Some event organizers still use those kinds of decorations despite their negative effects on the environment.
For sustainability and eco-friendliness, use reusable decorations that you can keep for future events. It also means you must choose decorations made from sustainable materials like bamboo, recycled paper, or fabric. Also, consider potted plants or flowers as centerpieces that guests can take home.
Recyclable Tableware
Tableware and all other items you use at your parties should be of high quality and themed. Luckily, there is good quality and themed tableware you can reuse. Use reusable plates, cups, and utensils to reduce single-use plastic waste.
If disposable items are necessary, choose those made from compostable or biodegradable materials. You will be able to save some money because you will not need to buy plates over and over again. Do your research.
Organic Food and Drinks
Technology has encroached on every aspect of life and civilization, including agriculture. While it may be a good thing in some aspects, it is not when it comes to sustainability and eco-friendliness. To reduce our impact on the environment, we must return to organic roots.
It means you need to source local, organic, and seasonal ingredients for your menu, especially if you are catering salads and greens. Opt for caterers or restaurants that prioritize sustainable practices. If you’re in LA, we recommend a quaint restaurant in West Hollywood called Fresh Corn Grill.
Use bulk dispensers for beverages instead of individual bottles to reduce packaging waste. Go ahead and encourage guests to bring their reusable water bottles. Don’t worry about compliance, as many people today are conscious of the environment.
Proper, Eco-friendly Waste Management:
Parties have several types of waste. These may include, but are not limited to, organic, paper, metal, plastic, glass, textiles, electronic, decorative, confetti and streamers, single-use drinkware, and general trash.
You will need to set up clearly labeled recycling and compost bins to make it easy for guests to dispose of waste properly according to type. Also, minimize single-use items like napkins and consider cloth alternatives.
Venue Accessibility (Transportation)
Transportation is a major source of environmental insult, if you didn’t know. Personalized car travel is a major contributor to greenhouse emissions. Therefore, make an effort to encourage carpooling, biking, or the use of public transportation to reduce carbon emissions.
Furthermore, you should choose a location accessible to most guests to minimize travel distances. This may be difficult to pull off, especially if you have many guests from various parts of the country or states. However, you can still find a central venue that has maximum accessibility.
Party Favors and Entertainment:
If you decide to give out party favors, choose sustainable and useful items like reusable tote bags, bamboo utensils, or seeds for planting.
When it comes to entertainment, opt for activities that have a minimal environmental impact, such as outdoor games or acoustic performances. Use energy-efficient lighting or, better yet, take advantage of natural lighting during daytime events.
After-party Clean-Up:
Make sure to properly dispose of or recycle waste after the party. Remember, you labeled waste according to type? This is where such labeling will become invaluable. You will find it easier and faster to clean up after the party.
Consider donating leftover food to a local shelter or composting organic waste. Leftover food is an excellent source of organic fertilizer for those with kitchens or urban gardens. They will come for it if you let them know.
Educate Guests on Eco-Protection
Finally, make an effort to share information about the eco-friendly initiatives you’ve incorporated into the party and encourage guests to adopt sustainable practices in their daily lives. This will spread the word and boost the initiatives put forward by government agencies to limit the carbon footprint and reverse the adverse effects on the ozone layer.
Final Thoughts
Remember, the key is to be mindful of the environmental impact at every stage of planning and execution. By making thoughtful choices, you can enjoy a festive occasion while reducing your ecological footprint. Every little effort counts, and by incorporating these tips, you can create a festive atmosphere while minimizing your impact on the environment.
