School is out, and backyard parties are a summer must-have! Many of us have thrown a party and been shocked by how much trash is produced in one day. This year, skip the single-use decorations and piles of trash with a zero-waste party.
When living a zero-waste lifestyle, a person aims to send as little trash to the landfill as possible. In today’s use, a zero-waste event often refers to a diversion rate of 90% or more of the waste generated at the event. Diversion can include recycling, composting, repurposing, and reducing waste generated.
A zero-waste party can still have all the festive flares to make your event shine. Check out some easy changes below to lessen your waste at your next party.
Create Natural Confetti
All you need to create a pop of color at your next party is leaves and a hole punch! Take a hike and collect leaves from the ground of various colors. Next, use a hole punch or shape cutter to create as much confetti as you’d like. As a bonus, this confetti is free and can be used anywhere since it is biodegradable!
Leaves on a table with holes punched in them for confetti
Try Out Reusable Balloons
Balloons are a party staple, but they create significant waste and often end up as litter at outdoor parties. With a small investment, you can avoid ever having to buy helium again! Reusable balloon options often include stands or garlands and require only a pump for setup. You can create a showy entrance to your party or decorate throughout the venue with various sizes and colors.
Reusable balloons on a stand in front of a tent
Decorate with Paper Bunting
If you’re not ready to dive into reusable balloons, or if you want to add to the party décor, upcycle used paper into bunting. You’ll need string and various pieces of paper from your recycling bin – you can even decorate the paper with markers or paint to match your theme. Follow this easy party bunting tutorial to get started. Once your party is over, you can save these for reuse or take off the paper and recycle it – just be sure to remove any glued-on items before recycling!
Paper bunting on a string hung from the ceiling
Source: Francois et Moi Handmade Modern Home
Set Up a Zero-Waste Station
Make waste diversion easy with separate trash, recycling, and compost containers. Ensure attendees know what items belong in each receptacle with a quick educational session or signs. If you want to achieve a truly zero-waste party, stick with reusable tableware or purchase compostable plates, cups, and utensils that can be brought to a local facility after your event.
Two girls standing behind trash, recycling, and compost containers outside
Encourage Guests to Sustainably Giftwrap
If you’re celebrating a special someone, remind guests of your zero-waste goal and encourage them to wrap gifts sustainably. From using fabric for elegant wrapping to purchasing reusable gift bags, low waste gift wrapping can be stress free for guests of all ages with our guide.
Person holding a gift wrapped with brown and pink fabric
For more information, contact the Environmental Services Department at enviro@thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov or 281-210-3800.