A step-by-step guide to throwing a zero-waste party
Living green, that is adopting sustainable practices in your everyday life seems challenging. But trust me, it is easier than you think. If you are just embarking on this journey towards a sustainable lifestyle, then the most intimidating part is throwing a party. You might feel that you will have to let go of your sustainable practices for that day to arrange the best party that will please all your guests. But this is not true. You can throw the best party without having to keep aside your sustainability goals.
Since the time I became conscious of the environment, I have found numerous unique and innovative ways to make this come true. The best part about the suggestions I am going to give you is that they are incredibly simple and can be embraced by everybody. Also, you do not need to have a huge budget to throw a sustainable party.
Worried about how to get started with a zero-waste party? Jump straight into a step-by-step guide that has been curated with years of personal experience.
1. Invitations:-
Sending invitations to your guests is an integral step in throwing any party. And although you might have not realized it until now, this is the first stage where a lot of trash is generated when you send hard copies of invitation cards to your friends and relatives.
With the advent of technology, you can make this stage completely trash free by mailing the invitation cards to your guests. Isn't it that simple? If you are worried about what they might think, then you can even mention your reason for sending a digital invite on the card!
2. Decorations:-
Decorative items contribute primarily to the waste. To make your party captivating, you might be tempted to buy loads of unnecessary decorative items and in the end, you will end up with dustbins full of waste materials.
It is very crucial to be a sustainable consumer at this stage. Look for items that can be recycled or reused. For example, decorating your party hall with fresh flowers that can later be used to make compost is a great option. You can also go for decorating with handmade items made from fabric that can be used time and again. Diwali lights are also a great reusable option to add that glittering element to your party.
Another interesting idea that I personally love is having a party amidst nature. Your guests will love it if you organize a party in your garden.
3. Food:-
This might seem the trickiest part but you just have to put in some effort. To avoid buying grocery items in plastic packaging, take your own jute shopping bag to the market and buy the necessary items in bulk.
Then to tackle the food waste, I would suggest you have a separate bin for your guests to dump their food waste. You can later use this waste to make compost for your garden. And no matter how much you try to prepare the correct amount of food, you will always end up with some leftovers. The best way to deal with the leftovers is to give them to your guests or domestic help or distribute it among the poor.
Lastly, in India, people always use plastic disposable plates and other cutlery items to just avoid the extra burden of washing utensils. To throw a zero-waste party, use your steel or glass cutlery. If you do not have enough of them, then you can even borrow from your friends. And when it comes to washing them, make sure you divide the task among all of your family members so that the burden does not fall on one person.
4. Gifts:-
I always ask my guests to not bring gifts, but if you are organizing the party for your kids that this might not be possible. So ask them to bring upcycled items and make it very clear to not wrap them as wrappers constitute a huge chunk of the waste.
For return gifts, I would suggest you give plants. If not plants, then jute bags or used books are also great options.
Ending thoughts:-
Throwing a zero-waste party does not need money or extra efforts, it just needs your commitment to practice sustainability. By showing your dedication to conserving the environment, you will also motivate others to think about it.
Also read:- How climate change can be the cause of some of the worst humanitarian crisis.
Author- Ramesh Chaurasia
A superior and highly experienced entrepreneur in the field of business for quite a long time now. Also, a philanthropist, author and public speaker who believes in working towards the overall well being and betterment of the society as a whole.