Summer is in full swing, and that means you'll probably be hosting or attending some summer BBQs! Inspired by our friends at Going Zero Waste, here are some easy ways you can strive for "zero waste" at your event:
- Borrow:
- If you need more tables, chairs, cups, plates etc - instead of running out to get more, ask your guests if they have any you can borrow! Or put a call out on your local Buy Nothing Facebook Group or NextDoor to see if any neighbors have extras they can lend you. Sports Basement also rents out tables and lanterns!
- It's always more environmentally friendly to use materials that already exist in the waste stream, than to buy something brand new. It'll also save you money!
- Choose Reusables:
- Disposable plates, cups and utensils are convenient, but often difficult to recycle or compost (paper plates with a shiny lining are not compostable because of that extra plastic layer, and most cities do not accept plastic utensils for recycling because it is low grade plastic and usually dirty).
- Reusables are not only
- If you're worried about glass or ceramic plates and cups breaking (especially if you've got kids by the pool etc.), you could try reusable plastic alternatives. Here's an example of a set that is reusable, dishwasher safe, and made from post-consumer recycled plastic.
- Hit up your local thrift store for extremely affordable forks, cups, plates and table cloths!
- Decorate like Mama Earth:
- Skip the balloons - and please don't ever release balloons into the sky! All released balloons, including those falsely marketed as "biodegradable altex", return to Earth as ugly litter, harming animals and causing power outages. Balloons can travel thousands of miles and can pollute even the most remote and pristine places.
- Dress up your BBQ with fresh local flowers instead! Check out your local farmers market, or just cut some sprigs from a bush or tree to place in mason jars or old tins.
- Here's a fun alternative to plastic confetti - make your own natural confetti from a hole puncher and leaves!
- You can often find festive real table clothes and napkins at Goodwill or other thrift store - just throw them in the wash for easy clean-up, and reuse them throughout the year.
- Food & Drinks:
- When possible, grocery shop in bulk so there's less packaging to begin with, and find out what your city accepts in the recycle and compost so you can properly sort items instead of throwing everything into the trash. Make sure containers are empty and fairly clean for recycling.
- To lessen your carbon footprint, go heavy on the vegetables rather than the meat! Grilled vegetables are delicious - try veggie skewers, or whole portobello or sliced zucchini on the grill.
- Package leftovers and send some home with your guests (bonus if you've got repurposed or reused containers!), or store properly in your fridge or freezer to prevent food waste.
- Attending BBQs:
- Bring your own reusable plate, to-go set of cutlery, cloth napkin, and drink tumbler!
Do you have any tips for a zero waste cookout or bbq?
Replies