Post written by Brandon Sorvillo, Zero Waste Project Manager, Department of Procurement and Material Management

Learn more about Fairfax County’s work to move toward zero waste in our facilities and Zero Waste efforts in our community. 

It’s that time of year when everyone gets together to celebrate the holidays with food, fun, family, and friends. If you have hosted a party before, then you know that with great festivities comes great waste. But it doesn’t have to be this way.

Here are some tips on how to make your holiday party, or any celebration, as sustainable as it is enjoyable.

Invitations

To have a party, you need guests which means you need to invite them. Using an online invitation service is an easy way to start reducing waste before the party even starts. There are many websites that offer this service and have different templates to match your party’s theme. Some will also track your RSVPs for you. If you want to go old school and send traditional invitations, use paper stock and envelopes that are made from recycled content and can be recycled again – no foil, stickers, or glitter.

Decorations

It’s not a party without decorations, but they can be a big part of the event’s waste. Stay away from single-use items like balloons, confetti, and other décor that aren’t recyclable or compostable and will be thrown away after the event. Instead, incorporate nature into your design such as locally sourced flowers, autumn leaves, sea glass, or holly. You can also decorate with seasonal produce like bright citrus fruits in the springtime or apples, pumpkins, and gourds in the fall. These items can be eaten or composted when the party is over.

If you decide to go with store-bought decorations, try to purchase ones that can be reused for future events. If that isn’t an option, many banners, wall décor, and centerpieces are made from paper or cardboard which are easily recyclable, but like the paper invitations, steer clear of anything with added embellishments that make it mere trash. Also, use LED string lights to brighten up the party which use less energy and last longer than traditional string lighting. (Editor’s note: See our Guide to Energy-Efficient Lighting for more info on LEDs).

Plateware

Disposable plateware and cutlery are often the biggest sources of waste at any event. If possible, offer reusable plates, cups, and silverware for your guests to use. If you don’t have enough or don’t want to use your expensive dinnerware, ask some friends to borrow theirs. After all, what are friends for? Also, reusable napkins can be affordable, stylish, and easy to wash when the party is over.

Food & Beverage

Avoid buying prepared foods in individual packaging; most food packaging is not recyclable. Instead, cut fresh fruits and veggies, offer handhelds, and serve appetizers that can be eaten with a toothpick. Better yet, make it a potluck and encourage your guests to bring homemade meals in reusable containers. This will alleviate a lot of the work that party planning entails and make your event more personal. Also, encourage your guests to bring reusable containers to take home leftovers so there is less waste and cleanup for you when the party is over.

For beverages, you can reduce waste by buying bulk containers, preferably recyclable glass or metal, and serving out of reusable pitchers or dispensers. You can brew your own tea or buy local wines and growlers of beer from a local brewery. 

Gifts

Many holiday parties include a gift exchange where you might not know who you are buying for. Instead of buying items that may be used once or not at all, try gifting mindfully. Experience gifts such as admission to movies, theater, botanical gardens, or other local events make great gifts that most people would enjoy. Also, buying from local small businesses can make a gift more personal and reduce the amount of packaging that comes with online purchases. Speaking of packaging, most gift wrap and tissue paper are not recyclable. Try using reusable bags, brown paper bags that you decorate yourself, old newspaper or no gift wrap at all – the thought of the gift is what matters.

Cleanup

The party is over and cleanup begins. If done correctly, the cleanup stage is where you will see the fruits of your labor. There will be less waste overall, and your compost and recycling bins will outweigh the refuse. Make sure to have separate bins clearly marked for each type of waste and inform your guests what materials go into each. Save as many decorations as possible for future events and have your dishwasher ready for the reusable foodware and your washing machine ready for the reusable napkins and tablecloths. Lastly, you can drop off your compost at the I-66 Transfer Station or I-95 Landfill Complex where it will be turned into fertilizer.

With a little thought and preparation, you can make any party or event successful, fun, and practically waste free. Looking for more ideas on how to prioritize reducing and reusing at your parties or events? Check out the Zero Waste Event Checklist!