Outdoor party season has arrived; just look at the store shelves stacked with Styrofoam coolers, plastic tablecloths, and disposable plates, cutlery and partyware. It’s all fun and games until the party’s over: If this stuff ends up in the trash and, ultimately, the landfill, the plastic will be there for 20 to 500 years. And that doesn’t even count the toxics from manufacturing.
Why not host a get-together that’s easier on the planet? It’s easy with items you have on hand — and a plan for dining and cleanup.
A good first step is to avoid single-use plastic. Plastic plates, cups, cutlery and straws are “one and done” and not recyclable. They end up in the garbage, then the landfill. They can be pricey, too.
Think about going “retro chic” instead.
An outdoor party is a good excuse to pull out dinnerware you already have. With dishes, a vase of cut flowers and other decor treasures arranged on a fabric tablecloth, the effect is one of style and good sense. Or, for a small investment, buy less-fragile bamboo plates that can be washed and reused.
For serving drinks, party cups can easily tip and are not recyclable. Paper cups get soggy and have a waxy coating that also bars recycling. The best bet is short, sturdy glass tumblers with an ample base. Off-price home décor stores and thrift stores keep such items well stocked and at a fair price. You can also consider going BYOC, asking guests to bring their preferred cup.
As for Styrofoam cups, plates, takeout containers and coolers, just say no. The polystyrene is slow to degrade. If disposed of improperly, it can leach chemicals, harming water and soil. Instead, stow ice and drinks in aluminum tubs that you can use again for other parties. Or use pitchers or a dispenser with a spout. This way, you can mix drinks in large batches rather than buying individual cans or plastic bottles.
For the menu, avoid food waste by planning realistic portions.
If you plan burgers or other greasy, oily foods, take care with the cleanup. Scrape leftovers into the trash (not the sink) to keep fats, oils and grease from entering the drain. When this “FOG” cools, it solidifies and can back up in pipes — or the neighborhood, if communal sewage lines get blocked. Dispose of standing grease in dishes and grill trays by pouring it into a sealable container, then toss that into the trash.
Designate separate, marked containers for trash and recyclables, and if pets are part of your party, leave no “business” unattended. Use a bag to pick up their waste and dispose of it in the trash.
After all the fun, and when the last guest leaves, pull up a lawn chair and take a breather. You’ve just thrown a party that was low in waste and high in style.
Katie Cullipher and Rebekah Eastep are team leaders of the askHRgreen.org public awareness and education campaign for the Hampton Roads Planning District Commission. For more ways to make an environmental difference in Hampton Roads, visit askHRgreen.org.
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Quick tips for picnics, pool parties and cookouts
- Minimize food waste: Plan a realistic menu.
- Mix beverages in large batches and serve them from pitchers and dispensers, not in single-use cans and bottles.
- Avoid single-use plastic and Styrofoam partyware. Get creative with your own dishes and serving pieces.
- Place clearly marked bins to collect recyclables and trash separately.
- For cleanup, pour grease into a sealable container, let it solidify and toss that in the trash.
