Can you believe it’s already the New Year? Time to make those resolutions, right? If you’re anything like me, you’re also thinking about setting some sustainability goals. How about kicking things off with a bang by throwing a sustainable New Year’s party?

Throwing an environmentally friendly party is simpler than you might think. I’ve divided it into five different sections, and I’ll share some great green tips and sustainable products that will make it easy for anyone to host a green party. Plus, who knows, maybe your guests will be inspired to incorporate more sustainable party planning into their own lives too!

Sustainable New Year’s Party

 

1. Party Invitations

When you’re planning a Green New Year party, consider using digital party invitations, word of mouth, or texts to kick things off. In this day and age, physical invitations aren’t really essential. Another thing to keep in mind is the number of guests you want to invite. It’s always a good idea to create a manageable guest list so you have enough space, tableware, and of course, food for everyone. Remember, one of the goals for a Zero-waste New Year’s Party is food waste reduction.

 

2. Party Food

When it comes to responsible beverage choices and sustainable food choices for a party, it’s great to remember that less can be more. For drinks, it’s a good idea to opt for larger containers that fit within your budget. You might consider making some delicious tea using loose tea leaves or serving refreshing infused water. Another great option is to have a box or two of wine, or even a gallon, which can be used to make mulled wine or simply offered as is.  Alternatively, for smaller guest lists, filling up growlers can be a great solution for beer lovers. Overall, it’s wise to select a few versatile drinks such as rum, tea, soda, or fruit-infused options that can be used to create many different beverage choices.

For food, appetizers are always a hit, just like a delicious charcuterie board. Why not head over to the bakery and grab a fresh baguette to pair with it? And don’t forget to swing by the olive bar for some amazing, marinated items. Oh, and the deli has some fantastic slices of cured meats that would be perfect too! You can let your imagination run wild in the produce section, perhaps some crisp apples and juicy berries that can be used for both snacking and drinks. Just add a drizzle of honey and a dollop of whole-grain mustard, maybe even some pickles, and that’s all you need. If you’re in the mood, you could even whip up a delicious dip or a hot beverage in the crock-pot. Trust me, you won’t need as much food as you might think. Plus, using my method, all the marinated items will keep for a long time.

 

3. Sustainable Decorations

I wanted to share a little tip with you about sustainable party decorations. It all comes down to personal preference, but I find that using reusable items always helps cut down on waste. Instead of completely changing the decor for each season or event, I like to switch up just one or two items like the tablecloth or ribbon on the plant centerpiece. You could also consider using recycled or repurposed items, which can make for some really unique decor! Of course, at the end of the day, what really matters is spending time with loved ones and having a good time – the decorations are just a bonus.

Interested in more Sustainable Decor Ideas, Check out 5 Sustainable Holiday Decor Ideas for the Average Person

 

4. Sustainable Table Ware

Sustainable tableware is a great choice, and its effectiveness really depends on a few factors, such as the number of guests you have and your commitment to cleaning up. If you’re just having a small gathering with a few friends, I highly recommend using glassware and cloth napkins. They can easily be cleaned in the dishwasher and washing machine, making them a convenient and Eco-friendly option.

However, for larger parties where convenience is key, I suggest considering backyard compostable tableware. These are usually made from materials like bamboo, sugarcane, or cornstarch, which can easily be composted in your own backyard. If you’re not part of an industrial compost program, make sure to specifically look for backyard compostable products.

 

Once the party is over, all the compostable materials should be gathered up and properly disposed of. You can either add them to a compost pile, use them for a campfire burn pile, or place them in a compost bin. This way, you ensure that these materials don’t end up in a landfill.

5. Party Favors

I wanted to share some party favor ideas that are not only fun but also promote sustainability. One idea I love is using plants as decorations and favors. I have a bunch of plants that I’ve propagated, and I use them as centerpieces. Guests can take a plant home with them when the party is over. I usually repurpose leftover containers and add some cute ribbon or string for a touch of decoration.

Interested in sustainable Houseplants? Check out How to Have a Sustainable Houseplant Collection

Another option is to give reusable containers as party favors. Depending on the budget, you could either go for adorable little tiffins/bento boxes or small mason jars. Guests can use these containers to pack leftovers and bring them home. This way, we tackle the issue of food waste and encourage your guests toward sustainable practices.

Lastly, you can create cute party bags using reusable bags, cloth napkins, and eco-conscious tableware. You can either buy these items or use stuff you’ve collected over the years. It’s a wonderful way to reduce waste and encourage sustainable practices.

Average Sustainability Bonus:

Hey there! If you’re still interested in throwing a sustainable New Year’s bash, how about having a Zero Waste New Year’s picnic instead? It’s a super fun idea that’ll leave a positive impact on the environment. On the digital invitation, you can mention that the party is all about sustainability, let your guests know the number of people invited, and suggest having a potluck with BYO (Bring Your Own) flatware. It’s a win-win situation because everyone can contribute by bringing a drink or dish, as well as their own plates and utensils. Trust me, you’ll all have an amazing time while doing something good for our beautiful planet!

I hope all you average people have been inspired to throw a sustainable New Year’s Party.