As the holidays approach,  there is so much planning to do! Presents, costumes, dinner parties, brunches, and birthday parties. While the season can be a whirlwind, we can still do  our part by keeping the environment in mind when making choices for our event. Whether you are planning your Halloween party, Fall Festival, Friendsgiving, or holiday celebration, follow these tips to plan an eco-friendly event. Although obstacles such as practicality or budget may prevent you from implementing all sustainable options, by making just one or two eco-friendly substitutions, you will make a difference!

Invitations

• Go digital: Send an email, DM, or text invitation.

Venue

• Distance: Choose a venue that is close to your guests to cut down on greenhouse gas emission from travel.
• Carpool: Encourage guests to ride together to the event.
• Eco-friendly: Do some research and opt for a green venue.

Decorations

• Outsource: Borrow decorations from friends, family, or your guests.
• Thrift: See what you can find at your local thrift store.
• Reuse: Use decorations from last year’s event.
• Rent: See if you can rent tables, tablecloths, and other party necessities.
• Give it away: Make centerpieces that can be taken home, eaten, or repurposed by guests.
• Shop local: Decrease your carbon footprint by sourcing flowers and other décor from local businesses.

Utensils and paper plates

• Reuse: Opt for reusable utensils and plates rather than disposable ones. Leave out a bin for guests to place their used items to be washed and reused later.
• Recycle: Purchase disposable cutlery and plates that are made from recycled materials.
• Use what you have: Use utensils and paper plates you have left over from your last event.
• Bamboo: Buy utensils made from bamboo, a more sustainable material than plastic.

Napkins

• Fabric: Use fabric napkins that are washable and reusable.
• Recycled: Purchase napkins that are made from recycled paper.
• Use what you have: Use napkins from the last party you held.

Cups

• BYOC: Encourage guests to “bring your own cup” to limit use of disposable ones.
• Use what you have: Use that box of coffee mugs and reusable cups you’ve had in the garage
• Compostable: Buy compostable cups that are made from ethically sourced plant fiber. Compost the waste if you have a commercial compost facility.
• Unbleached: Buy paper cups that are free from bleach and harmful chemicals.

Food

• Plan ahead: Use https://savethefood.com/guestimator to estimate how much food you will need to avoid excess.
• Leftovers: Encourage your guests to bring to-go containers to take home leftovers.
• Compost: Compost food scraps and leftovers and use it to grow more food.
• Go meatless: Decrease your carbon footprint by serving up an environmentally friendly, plant-based menu.
• Eat seasonal: Plan for a seasonal menu which decreases carbon emissions.
• Grow your own: Use foods you grew in your own garden.
• Buy local: Consider drinks made from local breweries and vineyards.