As the days get shorter and winter appears on the horizon, if you enjoy a good knees up then you’ll have plenty of time to celebrate with Halloween, Bonfire Night, Christmas and New Year’s Eve all taking place in the coming months.
But one drawback to throwing a party is the massive amount of plastic waste they tend to generate. With sustainability a hot topic right now, you may want to take a different approach to this year’s festivities.
If you still want to host a party for your friends or work colleagues, but you want to make it a greener affair, fear not as we’ve got your back! Here we offer numerous tips on how your party can have less of an environmental impact.
Opt for Paper Cups
Single-use plastic cups create an enormous amount of waste, making them one of the worst culprits and biggest contributors to plastic pollution.
When it comes to serving drinks at your party, opt for paper cups instead of plastic. Not only are paper cups recyclable, but you can also find options that are made from sustainable materials, such as recycled paper or bamboo.
These cups are by far the more environmentally-friendly choice so if you’re going for a green theme then this ticks all the right boxes.
Embrace Kraft Food Boxes And Bags
Planning on serving appetisers and desserts? Then consider using kraft bags and boxes as these are not only made from recycled materials but they’re also biodegradable.
In addition, the brown aesthetic of a kraft food box or bag will add to the festive atmosphere of your party and they’ll help keep your food fresh, making these a surefire winner with your guests!
Biodegradable Plates and Cutlery
Wave goodbye to disposable plastic plates and cutlery and say hello to biodegradable alternatives!
Single-use plastic cutlery is another scourge of the environment, so opt for cutlery made from eco-friendly materials such as our knives, forks and spoons that are constructed from recycled wood. We also stock biodegradable bowls and plates to help you avoid polystyrene and other harmful materials.
Encourage Reusable Decor
Party decorations are often used once before they end up in a landfill where they’ll take centuries to decompose. Counter this by using decorations that can be reused year after year.
Invest in durable, eco-friendly decorations like cloth banners and LED string lights.
Minimise Food Waste
We’ve all been to a party where there’s been enough food to feed a small town left over at the end. As well as being a sad waste of food, this is also a big waste of money!
To minimise food waste, try to plan your offerings carefully. Consider serving small appetisers and desserts to ensure your guests can enjoy a variety of treats without overindulging.
To avoid throwing food away, try to encourage guests to take leftovers home in your biodegradable kraft bowls and bags!
The Benefits Of Sustainable Packaging
Choosing sustainable packaging solutions over plastic offers several benefits. Firstly, it reduces the amount of non-biodegradable waste ending up in landfills, which is crucial for protecting the environment from pollution.
Secondly, it sends a positive message to your guests about your commitment to sustainable living, so hopefully this will catch on and they can start making some positive changes in their own lives.
Requirement For Businesses
Lastly, if you’re a takeaway or food outlet business, then you should know about the government’s recent move to ban all plastic packaging and cutlery. The ban means any business serving food to customers must now use sustainable, biodegradable alternatives.
Failure to abide by the new rules can land you in some pretty big trouble with local authorities and Trading Standards, so if you own a food business and you’re throwing some sort of party or function then make sure you’re using the correct items or you could face a large fine.
So that’s how to reduce the ecological impact of your party. As you can see, there are many ways to make your party a greener, cleaner affair. By purchasing the right items to package and carry food at your parties, you’ll be contributing to a more sustainable future and leading the way to encourage your guests to follow in your footsteps.
If you would like to find out more about how Elpack Packaging Solutions can assist your business, or discuss your bespoke packaging needs, get in touch with our expert team today! Call us on 01425 524021 or drop us an email at info@elpack.co.uk
