'Tis the season to get together and celebrate, Texas-style, but that doesn't mean our impact on Texas landfills has to be as big as the parties and gifts. Common forms of waste at holiday gatherings include paper invitations, excess food, disposable plates and utensils, and gift wrapping. This year, reduce waste at your gatherings with these planning tips!
Instead of paper invitations, opt for digital options. Not only does this reduce paper, but it also saves money as you won't need envelopes or stamps. As part of your invitations, be sure to request RSVPs so you can get an accurate headcount and avoid buying excess food and supplies.
Reuse decorations you may already own. If you purchase new items, consider ones that are durable enough to be used for multiple celebrations or can be repurposed for other holidays. Secondhand shops are also great places to find festive decorations.
Plan your shopping list ahead of time. Include the exact items you need and the appropriate quantities. Account for any food preferences or dietary restrictions. Before you go to the store, you may consider checking your refrigerator or pantry to avoid purchasing ingredients you already have.
While grocery store displays can be tempting, stick to your list. Buying only what you need can help reduce food waste later.
Don't shop too soon! It's great to prepare, but make sure you don't buy fresh ingredients and produce too early. You don't want them to spoil before the party.
If you are hosting a large crowd, consider buying in bulk. Bulk products use less packaging, therefore generating less waste.
Remember to pack reusable bags for your store trip.
Use real plates, cups, napkins, and utensils instead of disposable options, if possible. While disposable partyware is appealing, as it cuts down on dishwashing, these items aren't recyclable. If you are serving appetizers, rather than a full meal, plates and utensils may not be needed!
Offer large pitchers or dispensers of drinks, rather than single-serve beverage containers. If you do offer single-serve drinks, encourage your guests to recycle their cans or bottles.
Encourage your guests to bring reusable food containers to the party. That way, they can take any leftovers home with them. Or, if you have an excess of reusable containers in your cabinet, offer them to your guests. When cleaning up any leftovers, remember food scraps don't belong in the recycling bin.
If your holiday celebration includes a gift exchange, be mindful of the wrapping. Let your guests know they can bring their gifts unwrapped or encourage them to get creative by using items like newspaper, jars, tins, or reusable bags.
When cleaning up any wrapping, be sure to check what is recyclable in your area. Many wrapping materials are single-use and made of plastic, like glossy wrapping paper or glittery bows.
It's easy to make simple changes to our holiday celebrations that can make a big impact. Take the pledge for more holiday tips!
