Whether you are having a few friends over or hosting a big shindig. There are always ways of making your gatherings a little bit more sustainable and friendly to the planet.

We’ve picked up a few top tips that help to take your hosting occasion to the next level without damaging the planet.

Ditch the plastic 

This falls into one of our favourite categories, plastic free. A simple switch that is cost effective and planet friendly, you can pick up wooden cutlery in many high street shops now or at multiple online retailers. Better for the planet as well as being chic and stylish.

The same goes for disposable plates, and glasses, switching to paper or bamboo is a much more sustainable option than plastic.

Reuse and craft

Not only is plastic bunting bad for the planet it is often single use because of how wrinkled it gets in storage. Switch to a fabric option and you’ll find it can be used time and time again without looking anything but its best. To take this switch to the next level, try making your own, old jeans make great bunting because of the thickness of the fabric or old bed sheets can be snipped up into ribbons and attached to strings for a rustic festival feel. 

Start as you mean to go on

Before the party has even started, think green. E-invites are the most sustainable option and don’t have to be drab with free design tools like Canva around. Or if you want a physical option, use recycled paper and avoid embellishments that stop them being able to be added to the recycling bin. 

Decorate mindfully 

Glitter and balloons are two really bad for the planet party poopers. Look out for decorations that can be added to the recycling afterwards, reused or passed on to a friend. Balloons should be avoided unless these are biodegradable, and think if you really need helium. While it keeps them perky for a few hours, the mining of helium is incredibly bad for the planet. 

If you want to go for a more natural party look, try to choose seasonal flowers, ideally grown locally to you. This will also reduce their mileage and environmental impact. 

Pass it on

If you are gifting party favours, think about keeping it green and passing on the message. A packet of bee friendly flower seeds, or a herb plant make great gifts and allow your guests to stick with the theme, the theme being green. We love the idea of everyone taking home some seeds to add to some green space so the party lives on and gives back to the planet. 

BYOG: Bring Your Own Glass

A new trend has emerged to cut down on waste, we assume it was started by someone who hates washing up. Why not ask your guests to bring their own glass for their drinks. If you are having a party where they would usually keep going up to get another drink, consider allowing them to reuse the one they brought. Less waste and everyone will take responsibility for their drink since they brought the glass from home. Less waste for the planet and less wasted and forgotten drinks scattered around. 

Spread the word

If you expect people to bring gifts, politely mention you are aiming to be more sustainable so would appreciate all recycled wrapping paper, or even simpler newspaper. It will get people in the right mindset before they arrive so they know to expect a few subtle changes. We have hosted multiple events now with a few simple swaps and either no one notices the difference or if they do they certainly don’t mind, the differences are saving the planet without ruining the party.