If you are hosting a corporate event, it’s important to think about how the event reflects the values of your company. If your organization has a reputation for environmental stewardship, you’ll need to implement some green strategies for party planning to reduce the carbon footprint of the event. Even if you are simply hosting a private party at home, keeping the following green tips in mind can be helpful for promoting sustainability in your everyday life. With Earth Day right around the corner, consider these guidelines for going green with your next party or other special event.
Skip the Paper and Plastic
One of the biggest sources of waste at parties and other catered events is serving ware like plates, cups, and utensils. While you might think that paper plates, plastic cups, and disposable flatware offer the most convenience, these simply end up in the landfill after a single use. Plus, paper and plastic plates and serving ware take tons of natural resources to produce, especially water. Instead, choose real plates, silverware, and glasses to minimize your carbon footprint and promote a greener image for your event. When you hire a professional caterer, you won’t have to worry about the cleanup that comes with using real dishes, so you don’t have to compromise convenience. Your caterer will simply pack away dirty dishes and flatware, and then wash them for future uses.
Likewise, you can opt for rental linens for napkins, tablecloths, and runners so that you don’t have to rely on paper napkins and tablecloths. These are less wasteful and offer an elevated look and feel for your guests to enjoy.
Go Local with Your Menu Options
Your menu is another place where you can think about reducing the resources needed to put your party together. Opting for local, in-season ingredients will mean that your party requires less fuel to host, as the ingredients on your menu won’t have to travel across the world to get to your plate. Plus, offering a locally inspired spread can provide the fullest flavors for your guests to enjoy. Here in Tucson, there is a plethora of fresh ingredients available from local suppliers in every season, so simply ask your caterer to think locally when you’re designing your menu. When it comes to beverages, consider a selection of craft beers and wines from Southern Arizona’s small breweries and vineyards.
Host Your Event Outdoors
In the spring and even early summer, the weather is mild enough to host a great event outdoors, which means you can reduce energy usage required for your event in the form of lighting and air conditioning. Choosing an outdoor venue also provides you with a beautiful backdrop for your event. Tucson offers several outdoor venues with stunning desert scenery and mountain views suited to any type of special event from weddings to corporate presentations to graduation parties.
Decorate Wisely
If you are hosting a graduation party, bridal shower, birthday party, or other festive event, it may be tempting to select a party theme and buy an array of decorations to fit that theme. However, party decorations are often used just once and then discarded. Avoid packing decorations into the local landfill by opting for event rentals for items like vases, banners, and cake stands. You might also head to your nearest thrift store to find items that fit your theme to purchase secondhand—these can be donated again after use or given away as party favors to reduce how much trash you’re left with after your event!
For any single-use decorations you do need to purchase, opt for recyclable materials like cardboard and paper.
Set Out Compost and Recycling Bins
Any special event is bound to leave you with food scraps and other refuse, so provide appropriate receptacles to dispose of these items properly. Recycling bins will provide a place for paper decorations, cans, and bottles, while compost bins can take any food scraps, flowers, or other organic materials, keeping them out of the landfill.
Here at Tucson Creative Catering, we are ready to fulfill your vision for your next special event with services that go well beyond simple food delivery. We’ll help you customize and serve an amazing menu and coordinate every detail of your event from equipment rentals to venue booking and more. Contact us today to see how we can help you go green with your next special event.