How to host a plastic free party

Being eco friendly is all about bringing life back to basics, and we are here with easy to follow tips and ideas to help you make your next party plastic-free and eco-friendly.

Plastic free parties are the new trend, they not only reduce your expenses and your environmental footprint, but plastic free parties are quicker to clean up and your great-great grandchildren won’t be living with your party rubbish 100 years later.

Think about the last party you attended. Chances are there was an abundance of plastic decorations, plastic cutlery, plastic or paper plates, plastic cups, balloons, lolly wrappers, and even plastic toys.
All of these things can be replaced by reusable and environmentally friendly options.

Plates, Cutlery & Cups

Partying at home?
Use your existing crockery & cutlery and then simply wash at the end of the party.
Remember those parties of the 70s and 80s when we’d gather in the kitchen to wash the dishes and chat? The party isn’t over just because the dishes are getting washed.

Partying in the park?
Forgo the plastic cups from the supermarket or $2 store and create a party pack you can reuse over and over.
Try your local op shop for vintage finds, Facebook Buy Swap & Sell pages for old picnic sets, or purchase a funky set that you and your friends and family can reuse for years to come.
Or reduce the need for plates and cutlery and serve from grazing boards.

Check with your family and friends, they will no doubt have plates, cups, and cutlery you can also borrow.

Cloth napkins are a great alternative to paper napkins, however, if you cannot do away with paper napkins purchase those made from recycled paper and ensure they are composted or fed to your nearest worm farm.

*Personal tip. I have a picnic set that comes out at all events. The entire family (and our friends) know to always take it for picnics and parties and where to go to grab a cup or plate when they need one.

Decorations

Keep your decorations minimal – use flowers on tables, bunting instead of balloons or streamers, Christmas lights, or paper pom poms that can be re-used.

Recycled jars make great vases and the flowers can be easily handed out as favours at the end of your party.

Cloth banners or large wooden birthday signs can be made at home or purchased online, to be reused for your parties. Rugs, cushions and pallet furniture create a cosy and casual setting.

Food & Drink

Grazing tables and platters are the perfect way to cater to your event. Dried fruits, nuts and savoury snacks together with sandwiches, cheeses and dips make for colourful and delicious party foods.
Instead of handing out lolly bags or party favours, provide your guests with a lolly buffet and recycled paper bags, or a dessert grazing table complete with cakes, donuts and confectionery.
Stock up on bulk lollies, dried fruits and nuts here.

Clean up

Keep the party clean up quick and easy by setting up separate containers to collect empty bottles and cans, used cutlery and cups and another for recycling.

Enjoy the party!