Summer is coming, and with it, barbecues, pool parties, and spontaneous backyard gatherings. Here in New Hampshire, summer is short, so we make it count by gathering with loved ones outdoors. However, these celebrations have a surprising amount of waste associated with them. Single-use plastics, seasonal decorations, and buying too much food can lead to excess waste that affects the planet and your budget. Thankfully, these simple low-waste hosting habits can save money, reduce cleanup, and make entertaining more enjoyable.
Plan Before You Party
The first step to having a low-waste summer gathering is to plan ahead. Ask guests to RSVP so you have an accurate count of people planning to attend. Knowing how many people are attending will let you prepare the right amount of food without much excess. Even a rough headcount helps you shop smarter.
Planning your party includes planning your location. Make sure to check out your location before you set up for the party. Choose a location in the shade, under a tent, or time for your event later in the day to keep things cool and limit energy usage. Think about how you can use the space respectfully, while also enjoying what nature has to offer. Clean up after your event and Leave No Trace. If an outdoor venue isn’t an option, bring decorations you use already to add visual appeal to your party.
One of the best (and most expensive) parts of a party is the food! Lucky for us, the Co-op offers monthly savings on season products, whether you’re a member or not! Either way, if you’re going to pay for good food, don’t waste it. One of the easiest ways to reduce food waste is to plan for leftovers. Leftovers are truly the best party favor, so encourage your guests to bring their own to-go containers! Depending on the vibe of your event, it might be cheaper and more fun to go potluck style. This approach helps ensure there’s plenty of food, and leftovers can be sent home with guests in the dishes they brought.
Think Reusable
When you think about hosting a party, start by looking at what you have. What decorations are lingering in your basement that haven’t seen the sun in several years? Having a party doesn’t require buying single-use plastic decorations, plates, or utensils. What you already have is often enough.
If you don’t have enough dishes or utensils, ask your guests to bring their own or better yet, serve handheld foods! Don’t want to ask your guests to bring anything? Shop at your local thrift store for affordable dishes, cutlery, and cloth napkins. You might even find unique dishware that leaves a lasting impression on your guests.
Reusable dishware isn’t appropriate for every party. If that sounds like your situation, the Co-op has a selection of compostable plates, napkins, cups, bowls, and utensils. Make sure to provide a separate compost bin if you plan to serve your guests in this way.
Hydration Station
The staples of summer parties are heat, humidity, and sunshine! While a sunny outdoor party is more successful than a rainy one, making sure your guests stay hydrated can be exhausting and expensive. To save money and reduce waste, provide drinks in large dispensers that guests can use to refill reusable water bottles. Provide cups if needed but opt for paper over plastic.
Your hydration station doesn’t have to be boring! This is the perfect opportunity to add fresh fruit to your water, making an eye-catching and uniquely flavored drink. Think lemon, mint, and cucumber for refreshing hydration or strawberry, raspberries, and blackberries for a sweet addition. Grab whatever is fresh at the Co-op and let the season guide your creation.
Make It Simple, Make It Meaningful
A simple party is much easier to host, attend, and clean up after. Keeping things uncomplicated can mean inviting fewer people, sending digital invitations, or decorating with items you already have.
Inviting guests to your summer gathering can be as simple as telling them in person or on the phone. Want a more formal invite? Design a digital invitation online on apps like Canva or Partiful. These apps make it easy to design creative invitations and track RSVPs without the waste of paper invites.
Another way to make your party simple is by hosting it with other people. Ask your friends to collaborate on a party to combine decorations, plates, tables and chairs, and food. This approach shares the work of planning and hosting the party. It is good for the planet and everyone’s wallet as it relies on resources already owned by the hosts.
The Big Picture
Hosting a party doesn’t have to be complicated. By planning ahead, using what you already have, and choosing reusable items, your summer party can be easier on both you and the planet.
And remember, the Co-op is here to help you stock up on everything you need – locally sourced, seasonally fresh, and waste-conscious.
