Such is the dilemma of the modern host. When you’ve got a busy lifestyle, saving the planet would be the last thing on your mind. Hence, you stock up on plastic balloons, paper hats, and other party decorations that look aesthetically pleasing but have ugly repercussions in the environment.
But hear us out: while it’s true than incorporating sustainability to your event requires extra effort, there are upsides to doing so.
Practical Reasons to Host an Eco-friendly Party
- It’s cheaper. Perhaps the best thing about being sustainable is you don’t need to spend a fortune to enjoy your party. Some of the materials you’ll need to create our suggestions below might be in your kitchen or room drawer already.
- It’s about the experience. When creating DIY environment-friendly party decors, for example, ask your friends to help you out. If it’s a kid’s party you’re throwing, you can use this as an opportunity to educate them about the importance of sustainability.
- It’s good for the environment. Not to sound like a broken record, but you’re doing the younger generations a favor by making sure they’ll still have a planet to live on in the next few decades.
If you’re now convinced that being environmentally-friendly is the way to go, here are some green alternatives you can use for your next party:
Ditch the Paper Waste and Send Digital Invites
When everyone has an email or is on social media, it’s practical to send your invitations online. It’s cheap (most of the time It’s free), and it is the best way to receive immediate RSVP. You can send one through Facebook Events, Google Calendar, or Paperless Post, among other mediums.
Encourage Your Guests to Skip Wrapping Paper and Gift Bags
Wrapping papers are uneconomical. Imagine having to spend a few bucks on a piece of paper that will end being torn and thrown in the garbage. It’s a single-use waste that we can all live without. To keep the suspense in unboxing gifts, you can recycle gift bags you received or opt for old magazines instead.
Use a Chalkboard Sign Instead of Letter Balloons
Letter balloons look good on photos, and they’re sure to gain likes on social media. But the images of sea animals choking on plastic waste don’t look good at all. As a word of advice, skip single-use plastics at all. After all, you have plenty of alternatives for balloons.
You can buy a chalkboard and chalk marker and then write a welcome message to guests or your dedication to the celebrant. This is a one-time purchase that you can use not just for this one party but for the rest of your life. You can also recycle paper materials and then use a stencil to cut out letters. Your imagination is the limit.
Make Confetti Out of Leaves
Is a party a party without confetti? You can’t skip this party supply, but you can change the material. Rather than purchasing a bag from your favorite craft store, gather the fallen leaves in your yard and cut them out in little squares or circles.
Sometimes we think sustainability is a complicated matter when it’s not. Next time you buy balloons, think of those poor animals who died because of irresponsible humans and then ask yourself: is my temporary convenience more important than the lives of others?