How to Throw a Zero Waste Party

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Happy Earth Day! There’s no better day than today to start living more green. By adopting a zero-waste lifestyle, your pockets and the Earth will thank you. 

To start, let’s define zero-waste. While many think this is an extremely challenging lifestyle that requires you to eliminate trash completely, that’s totally wrong! Zero Waste is a journey in which the end goal is to have all of the products you consume be reusable in some way. This series will explore different topics and provide ways to live a life closer to Zero Waste. To kick things off, we’re gonna throw a Zero Waste party!

A surefire way to get people to come to a party is to have free food. While it may seem easy to produce minimal waste with food, I personally find it to be one of the hardest areas of my life to practice Zero Waste. Thankfully, almost every major grocery store has at least one bulk aisle in which you can bring your own containers for package-free foods such as nuts, trail mixes, dried fruits, chips, and sometimes even candy. 

In addition to this, it is always best to buy party foods that are vegetarian or vegan, as you should think about the product’s waste journey before AND after you purchase it. Purchasing finger foods also make it much easier when serving, so you don’t have to worry about individual plates, bowls or silverware.

When throwing a party, it’s fun to set a clear vibe with your decorations, especially with the rising popularity of themed parties. The number one tip for decorating is to reuse things you already have. Photo backdrops can be made with a cute tapestry or curtains, some plants and any other decor items you have on hand. However, if you absolutely must buy decorations, always opt for products that are easily recycled or can be reused multiple times. 

An easy skip for decorating when throwing a themed party is to have all your guests dress to fit the theme. This way, cleanup is easier, and your party vibes are shown through your guests’ outfits.

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Everyone knows you cannot have a college party without drinks. Whether alcoholic or nonalcoholic, be mindful of what you are purchasing. Glass and aluminum are more easily recycled than plastic, and you can often find any form of drink in these containers.

While some items are easily recycled, most plastics are extremely difficult to recycle or don’t get recycled at all. Parties often have red solo cups, which are made of polystyrene, a plastic that usually is sent to landfills or burned. Instead of buying plastic cups, ask your guests to bring their own cups. Not only will you reduce waste from plastic cups and reduce the cleanup time, party guests are also less likely to lose their cup and go get another when they bring their own.

Once the party is over, try to see how much waste will be sent to the landfill and make sure your recyclables follow city guidelines. You’ll have a better idea of things you need to work on, and it’s a great way to see the great work you’ve done! 

It’s important to remember that adopting a Zero Waste lifestyle is a journey.  Each person can practice at their own levels and gradually improve on their waste reduction.


Art by Carissa Georgelos

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