How to Host a Low-Waste Party
Summer is almost here, and I don’t know about you, but I’m already dreaming of warm nights, smoky BBQs, and maybe even a few outdoor movie nights in the backyard. There’s something so magical about gathering with friends when the sun stays out late and no one’s in a rush to leave.
I’ve always loved hosting, but I’ll admit traditional parties can generate a lot of waste if you're not careful. From disposable cups to excess food, it adds up fast. But with just a few tweaks, your summer get-togethers can be low-waste and low-stress.
Here are some of my favorite ways to host sustainably this season:
Don’t overbuy food, and send guests home with leftovers if you end up with extra! I always like to ask guests to bring a to-go container with them.
Finger foods are your friend! No plates = less waste (and fewer dishes). Or thrift a set of party plates that you can reuse year after year.
Use real cups or jars. You can also ask guests to BYOC (bring your own cup), or try a service like Cup Zero if you're hosting something bigger.
Stick with real utensils if you can, or compostable ones if you’ve got access to commercial composting.
Make waste sorting easy. Label your bins clearly so guests can compost food scraps and recycle bottles and cans.
Choose natural decor. Think flowers, beeswax candles, and upcycled touches instead of balloons or plastic banners.
Outfit planning? Skip the fast fashion and try thrifting or renting something fabulous instead.
Want more ideas? I’ve rounded up some favorite blog posts to help you plan a great summer bash without the trash:
📌 5 Tips for a Zero Waste Party
Parties can be fun and eco-friendly. This post shares five simple strategies to reduce waste at your next gathering—whether it’s a cozy dinner or a full-blown bash. Spoiler: Most of them cost nothing to implement.
📌 How to Have an Eco-Friendly BBQ
Hosting a cookout? This guide covers sustainable grilling tips, lower-impact food ideas, and how to avoid all the usual plastic party waste—without losing any of the summer fun.
📌 13 Sustainable Alcohol Brands to Try at Your Next Party
If you’re stocking a bar cart or cooler, this list has you covered. These alcohol brands prioritize organic ingredients, ethical practices, and sustainable packaging—so you can sip responsibly.
highlighted video of the week:
In this video, I walk you through a real zero-waste party I hosted from start to finish. If you’ve ever wondered what sustainable hosting looks like in action, this one’s for you.
Thank you so much for being a reader!
Sincerely,
Kathryn