Host a Sustainable New Year's Eve Party
A New Year's Eve get-together is great way to celebrate the last 365 days, and to ring in a fresh new year with your closet friends and family. However, it is no secret that disposable plates, balloons, and lots of plastic horns are detrimental to our planet. You are not alone if you are concerned that an eco-friendly soiree might be challenging, too time-consuming or too expensive, but with just a bit of planning, you can host a memorable New Year’s Eve party which sets the tone for the rest of the year.
The Guest List
The digital age we live in now has its perks when it comes to waste-free communication. There are facebook events, and e-vites which are quick, free and also give you the ability to track RSVPs with the click of a button. With dedicated businesses such as Evite & Paperless Post, you have a wealth of choice when it comes to customizing your invites.
If there are some guest that don’t use facebook or are not too email savvy, not to worry. Choose a company that uses recycled or bamboo paper, and that use Eco-friendly inks for their printing. Susty Party and EcoParty Time both offer sustainable options.
If you're looking for an invite with a little more impact, how about using seed paper for your invites? Your guests will thank you when they have beautiful flowers in the spring, all thanks to your party.
DIY Decor
Get creative with banners and garlands that you make from recycled materials. Save all that shiny wrapping paper from the holidays and reuse it. You can also make decorations from fabrics, and if you want to you can write, or sew, a fun pattern or message onto it.
Candles provide a warm, inviting ambiance to an evening evening but did you know that most candles are made with paraffin, which when burned leaves your guests breathing in toxic chemicals? Go for eco-friendly candles made from soy, coconut or beeswax. For some information on conscious candles, read our blog post here and here.
Food
If you are going for a sit down dinner at your party, the most earth friendly option is to prepare a home cooked meal with ingredients picked up at your local farmers market. Some of our top crowd pleasers here and here. If cooking such a large meal yourself is intimidating, another great option is to do a potluck. Not only will your guests have a range of foods to try, but it is also a great conversation starter.
Sustainable Supplies
Disposable plates, napkins and cutlery generate a lot of non-reclycable trash, so opt for real dishes or reusable containers instead. In today's single-use culture, simple parties with higher quality items have a certain magic.
Worried about the price tag associated with gathering real supplies? Don't fret; browse your local thrift stores for some affordable pieces. You may not find a complete set, but 'mix and match' patterns and shapes create a unique, chic table setting.
If you have a large number of guests that real is not realistic, go for a biodegradable options such as Wasara bamboo plates or VerTerra palm leaf cutlery.
PhotoBooth Fun
To capture funny memories of the evening, setup up a makeshift photo booth. It doesn't have to cost you a dime; create a backdrop with leftover holiday wrapping paper, or a large bed sheet. If you are re-using wrapping papers, a key tip is to go with the neutral papers as your backdrop and then cut out shapes from your metallic papers to create an accent design on top, such polka dots or stars.
For the props, old frames (without the glass) are fun for people to hold up and pose with. Old halloween costumes, such as wigs or glasses, also create great props. For sign, you can reuse cardboard parcel packaging and write funny slogans. You'll have a camera roll of fun photos in no time!
Drinks
Raise your glass with champagne or wine made from organic grapes and without synthetic additions. If you have beer drinkers coming to the party, here are some of our favorite organic beers.
A great way to reduce the amount of waste is by sourcing from your local breweries and wineries. Most breweries offer purchase kegs and growlers. Call a few of the wineries near you to inquire about the types of wine they offer in kegs and schedule a tasting to find the perfect one.
Garnish drinks with rock candy stirrers, cotton candy, or fresh fruit like berries. Find more fabulous Organic Spa Magazine cocktail ideas here and here.
Party Favors
You may choose to send your guests home with a small token of your appreciation. Some ideas for eco-friendly party favors include a small packets of seeds with a handwritten note attached, a small plant, or a set of steel straws.
If you would prefer a favor your guests can enjoy on the night, go with locally made organic chocolates or a shot--a healthy one that is! Why not end the night with a wheatgrass shot? You can blend together your own before the party, or check out some of these options which you can purchase pre-made. Your guests will thank you for the much-needed boost of essential vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, especially those who may have overindulged.
Midnight Cheer
Skip the fireworks and find yourself some eco-friendly bubble solution. You could even it yourself quickly with eco-friendly washing up liquid, water and glycerin (or use honey instead). It’s best to mix it the night or morning before a party.
Instead of plastic confetti, try making your own with a hole puncher. Save your old newspaper, used wrapping paper or some old (already fallen) leaves. Put it in a bowl and hand it out shortly before midnight, ready for when the clock strikes midnight.
Clean Up