10 TIPS FOR A ZERO-WASTE EVENT
Keeping an event zero-waste can seem challenging, but it’s really about simplifying! Here are some quick tips on how to host a low-waste party/event
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Help your guests put waste in its place
Have three bins, clearly marked: Compost, Recycling, and Waste, so that your guests will know exactly where to put their waste.
Convenience is key. Generally, people will not recycle or compost unless bins are directly next to the trash bin, as opposed to having them at opposite sides of the room. Hence, make sure you have enough compost and recycle bins for every trash bin. However, if there won’t be any thing served that will need to be disposed of in the trash, you might want to consider whether or not you want to even include a trash bin.
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Use your daily drink ware
The important part here is opting out of single use plastic. If you do not have enough glasses for the party-goers, here are a few options:
Use mason jars as cups (easily found at thrift stores)! If you’re on the ‘buying bulk’ journey, you know you can never have too many jars anyway! 💁♀️
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Use Regular Cutlery
Single use cutlery is Really, cutlery is so easy to clean. Plus, if you have a dishwasher... you’re laughing!
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Use Abeego During Prep
Beeswax Food wrap is the perfect alternative to plastic wrap!
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Reusable Plates
If possible save the single use items and use your everyday dinnerware!
If you opt for compostable plates, have a green bin available for your guests to use.
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Cloth napkins
It’s easy to find second-hand cloth napkins at thrift stores, but if you’re feeling even more thrifty + crafty, make your own out of an old set of sheets or fabric!
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Re-think the food & drink
Simple simple simple! I think a common practice is for us to buy too much food, or make things more complicated than they have to be!
Again, try to keep it seasonal. Look to what’s available at farmers markets if you’re hosting in the warmer months.
Instead of purchasing pre-made beverages at the store, prepare some infused water or tea. Have it ready in pitchers or dispensers for your guests to help themselves!
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Earth-friendly Decorations
When you're planning your party, work with the seasons and mother earth. The most beautiful decorations come from nature (naturally)! Things like flowers, herbs, twigs, fruit, etc! No need to buy plastic decorations from a party store… All of this can be found in your backyard, or on a walk! When the event is over, enjoy, compost, or eat!
If you want to level-up your party game with decorations, go the natural rout! Instead of balloons, make or borrow fabric banners.
Rag banners are super simple to make. All you need is some old fabric (a bed sheet would work just fine!) and string!
Cut the fabric in to approximately 12” long strips and tie them to a long piece of string & Repeat!
image: rag-tie-garland-lace-white-shabby-chic
Fabric Bunting is also a beautiful and impactful way to decorate & relatively simple to make. Cut out a bunch of triangles (all the same size) and then sew them to a long ribbon (whatever length you’d like your bunting to be). DONE.
The best part about these beautiful fabric banners is that they can be used again and again - especially if you use neutral colours or white!
image: photostream
No time for making fabric banners? Simple flowers in a vase or some greenery from your backyard trees always do the trick!
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Reusable Straws
Say no to single use plastic straws and opt for reusable or paper ones!
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Snack Prep
When shopping for snacks and treats, head to the bulk store with your reusable jars instead of buying pre-packaged goods!
Let’s keep this list going! Comment below with your favourite zero-waste party tips!