Summer Parties

With Memorial Day just around the corner, summer events are on the horizon.

Holidays. Graduations. Weddings. Showers.

Sometimes you will be a guest while other times you will be the host.

For those hosting, the ideas below will step a little lighter on the planet and deliver a great event.

Re-Imagine

The first step is the plan. Consider how you could reimagine the event.

What is the role of the party?
Is there a theme for the décor that could enable more reuse and repurpose vs. buying new?
Could you come up with innovative activities using things from around the house?
Are there ways to plan for any waste the event might create – like a food donation?

Once the general direction of the event has been planned, you can start to consider how you can reuse items you already own.

Durable Tableware: Use reusable plates, cups, utensils, and cloth napkins instead of disposable alternatives. Same goes for table and event decorations.
Shop Your Home: Start by looking all around your home for tableware, decorations, serving platters, silverware, napkins, games, and anything else your party might need. Check as many items as possible off your list.
Phone a Friend: Once you have shopped at your own home, call friends, family, and neighbors to see if you can borrow things like outdoor furniture, games, or serving platters to reduce the need for new purchases.
Shop Secondhand: With the remaining list, consider shopping in secondhand stores and online marketplaces.
Call a Company: Another option is to rent tables and decorations from an event company. While this might not be as economical as friends/secondhand, it might be more convenient.

While you are looking to reuse, you can also consider repurposing items to a new use.

Upcycled Decor: Get creative with decorations by upcycling items from around your home. Use old glass jars as candle holders or vases, turn wine corks into place card holders, or transform pallets into rustic furniture.
Serving Ware: Use unconventional items for serving food and drinks. For example, use wooden crates or trays made from recycled materials to display snacks and refreshments.

With a shortened list of items needed for the event, here are three ideas to reduce impact.

Minimalist Invitations: Instead of paper invitations, opt for digital invites or create a Facebook event. This reduces paper waste and simplifies RSVP tracking.
Streamlined Menu: Plan a menu that reduces food waste and incorporates seasonal, locally sourced ingredients. Consider serving finger foods or tapas-style dishes to minimize the need for disposable plates and cutlery.
Sustainable Decorations: Use natural elements like potted plants, flowers, or reusable fabric decorations. Avoid single-use plastic decorations that contribute to landfill waste.
Party Favors: Instead of traditional party favors that often end up in the trash, give out items that can be repurposed or have a longer lifespan. Examples include reusable shopping bags, stainless steel straws, or small potted plants.

Recycling Station: Set up clearly labeled recycling bins for cans, bottles, and other recyclable materials. Encourage guests to use them properly throughout the event.
Composting: If possible, provide a composting bin for food scraps and compostable items like napkins and paper plates. Compost can be picked up by a company and used to enrich soil in gardens or landscapes.
Plan Leftovers: If you have leftover food after the party, repurpose it into new dishes. Leftover fruits can be blended into smoothies, while cooked vegetables can be added to salads or turned into soups.
Donate: If there are large amounts of leftovers, see if there are any food banks or other locations in your area where you can donate.

Summer events can be a great opportunity to get creative, lighten your impact, and have a great time with family and friends.

Day by Day.

Step by Step.

One Shade Greener.