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Easy Zero Waste Party Ideas You’ll Love
Friday, May 13th, 2022 | By Osky Kin
While gathering with friends to celebrate feels great, leaving a footprint on the environment does not! If you’re looking for zero waste party ideas, we’ve got some gorgeous ideas you’re bound to love.
Parties are an amazing time to celebrate milestone occasions, they can foster some of the fondest memories and bring together friends and family for beautiful moments. Sometimes in the mad dash of party preparations, it can be easier to hit the local shops and grab the nearest pre-prepared packaged items—we’ve all been there! However, often this décor can amount to a lot of extra plastic that is designed for single use.
Luckily there are tons of more eco-friendly alternatives to plastic party decorations that will keep your celebration Pinterest-worthy and earth-friendly. So if gorgeous blooms, twinkling lights and delicious food sound ideal, then keep scrolling for some zero waste party ideas to keep your party easy on the planet.
This post is all about Zero Waste Party Ideas.
Zero Waste Party Ideas You’ll Love:
Lighting is everything
When it comes to parties, atmosphere is everything. There’s no better way to create a magical celebration than with twinkling lighting. Not only is using lights as decoration less wasteful as you can reuse them over and over, but you probably already own some — hello Christmas tree lights!
Lights can also be a feature of the celebration too. Think big globe lights strung amongst the trees, or glimmering tealight candles in glass jars dotted throughout the venue. Glass jars can be collected in the lead up from your very own kitchen, or even take the opportunity to raid your local op shop and find some unique glass décor.
Zero waste party ideas tip: Skip the balloons
Balloons have become a party staple when it comes to decorating, however, paper lanterns and puffs can serve as the perfect alternative to add that extra special touch to your celebration. Not only are these eco-alternatives DIY-able, but they can be tailored to whatever theme you desire. We’re thinking “romantic party” gold; white and blush; bold and bright party-orange; yellow and red; or sophisticated and sleek black and silver.
Hung from the ceiling or trees, these paper puffs can add that extra bit of glamour to elevate your party. From honeycomb balls to pom-pom puffs, there’s a style to suit every taste.
Check out our article ‘Eco-Friendly Alternatives to Balloon Arches for even more inspo!
Paper Decorations
Paper or fabric decorations make the perfect alternative to their plastic counterparts. With limitless options in style and colour, paper is the way to go! Birthday banners made from card and twine make the perfect wall centrepiece complemented by paper garlands that can be strung throughout the venue to bring depth. Crepe paper streamers are an inexpensive and recyclable option that can transform a space into a colourful or chic party setting-go one step further and use paper-based washi tape which is friendly for your walls as well.
Zero waste party ideas tip: Food as decoration
Luscious grazing tables peppered with delicious cheeses, fresh fruit and wholesome bread make the ultimate party decoration. As they say, a celebration without treats is just a meeting! From canapés to cake, your guests will love decoration that doubles as delectable nibbles. Food can bring colour and excitement to a party setting, hit up your local grocer to find in-season produce for maximum eco-friendly party points. Finger food is a great eco-friendly party option as it limits the need for disposable plates.
Zero waste party ideas tip: Ceramic and glass
Crockery can elevate the mood of a party to add some seriously tasteful vibes. Not only does ceramic crockery and metal cutlery help avoid single use alternatives, but we think they can also add that extra wow factor to a party’s theme. All white crockery with gold cutlery for a sophisticated 30th, or mismatched plates with wooden serving bowls for a rustic garden picnic are just a few of the endless ideas that could help make your party pop.
To keep it easy on your wallet use plates you already have, consult your local buy nothing Facebook group to borrow, rent plates from party rental site, or if not possible you could even use biodegradable paper or leaf plates.
Glass cannisters can make the perfect party decoration. We love the look of glass jugs with sliced lemon, cucumber or strawberries to add a pop of colour. Refreshing and pretty—the ultimate party combo!
Natural Décor
And our favourite eco-friendly solution yet, natural décor! There’s nothing sweeter than floral blooms and tasteful leaf displays to grace a party scene. Consider floral wreaths, a natural table runner or even hanging flowers to add personality to your celebration. Local flowers are the way to go, and if you were feeling like a DIY queen you could even rummage your own garden!
Fruit and Flowers
Dried fruit and flowers can make a striking feature of your party. Picture string garlands hung around the event or a photobooth backdrop of dried flowers for guests to gather round. The best thing about natural decor is that it already comes in the most beautiful hues, no matter what flora you choose—it will look good.
SMALL CHANGES MAKE BIG DIFFERENCES
Creating a party can be stressful and overwhelming but it can also be magical too. An eco-friendly party is an awesome aspiration, even if you take one or two ideas and run with those it can make a huge difference. Here at HOORAY! we think that the most important thing to remember is that a celebration should be fun, so gather your inspo pics and get creative!