Do everyone a party favor... go zero-waste!

Fall is here, which means a parade of various holiday events is about to begin. This time, can you strive for a no-waste party? I gleaned some tips from VMDO architects, who host a large fall office party every year and pride themselves on being low-waste and locally-focused.

Think reuse, not single-use when it comes to party planning.

First, invitations. Going digital is the obvious greenest option, but VMDO created an invitation/keepsake for guests, making invitations on cards with slots so guests could build card houses.

Do you already have decorations that would work? Can you borrow? Can you scout local consignment shops or Craigslist instead of buying new? Fill vases with recycled paper bouquets or create an art centerpiece which can be taken home by guests. A potted plant would work. Balloons are festive, but so are greener alternatives like recycled-paper streamers. VMDO decided no more flowers from overseas, so they asked everyone to look in their yard and bring flowers, turning it into a flower-arranging bonding affair for the office.

For food, think “100-mile diet” and “farm-fresh produce.” Don’t want to cook yourself? Call Gus and his crew at Harvest Moon Catering, a sustainable and local-minded food operation. They can supply dinnerware and composting with the help of the folks at Timbercreek Organics.

Ask guests to BYOF (bring your own flatware), or you can offer finger foods to avoid the need altogether.

Reusable linens rather than the single-cloth plastic or vinyl is a greener choice. Want someone else to handle that? Virginia Linens has a sustainability focus in the cleaning of their linens.

One more idea: Can you offer a special party perk for your carpooling guests?

In-joy,
BWB