Here are the supplies you will need for your zero-waste party!
Have you thought about throwing a party, but don’t want to buy all of those party supplies? You may not have realized it, but a lot of those party supplies – although they can be fun at times – can add up to a lot of waste in our landfills.
I wanted to brainstorm some essentials that would be important, yet also fairly cheap so as to make throwing an eco-friendly party more doable.
Some of the keywords that made it easy for me to find products were words such as: Eco-friendly, Reusable, Glass, Sustainable, and Biodegradable.
When throwing a zero-waste party, essentially, you can use whatever products you and your community have on hand. Each person can easily pitch in on bringing something to the table.
Here’s the list, enjoy!
Zero-Waste Dishes:
Oven Glass Serving Dish: https://www.ikea.com/us/en/p/mixtur-oven-serving-dish-clear-glass-80058761/
Stainless Steel Scoops: https://www.ikea.com/us/en/p/ikea-365-scoop-set-of-2-metal-70444292/
Glass Serving Bowl: https://www.ikea.com/us/en/p/blanda-serving-bowl-clear-glass-90057252/
Stainless Steel Serving Bowl: https://www.ikea.com/us/en/p/tuvhaetta-serving-plate-stainless-steel-10539556/
Zero-Waste Table Containers/Jars:
Glass Jar: https://www.ikea.com/us/en/p/vardagen-jar-with-lid-clear-glass-00291928/
Glass Jar w/ Wood Lid: https://www.ikea.com/us/en/p/ikea-365-jar-with-lid-glass-bamboo-s99276759/
Table Decor/Multi-Use Items:
Bamboo Butcher block: https://www.ikea.com/us/en/p/aptitlig-butcher-block-bamboo-00233429/
Ovenware/Decorative Dish: https://www.ikea.com/us/en/p/vardagen-ramekin-off-white-80289304/
Serving Dish: https://www.ikea.com/us/en/p/vardagen-serving-bowl-clear-glass-60289239/
Wire Basket: https://www.ikea.com/us/en/p/risatorp-wire-basket-white-90281618/#content
Pitcher With Lid:
Glass Drink Dispenser With Spout: https://amzn.to/3caqqxT
Accessory Items:
Mesh Ikea Bag: https://www.ikea.com/us/en/p/kungsfors-mesh-bag-set-of-2-natural-20372834/
Steel Bin: https://www.ikea.com/us/en/p/knodd-bin-with-lid-white-60045656/
Picnic Basket: https://www.ikea.com/us/en/p/kaseberga-cool-basket-bamboo-30514116/
Basket: https://www.ikea.com/us/en/p/saluding-basket-handmade-bamboo-90503186/
Utinsle Basket: https://www.ikea.com/us/en/p/saluding-basket-set-of-2-handmade-bamboo-70503187/
Picnic Basket: https://www.ikea.com/us/en/p/dofsing-basket-handmade-natural-70501391/
3-piece oil & vinegar set, glass/stainless steel: https://www.ikea.com/us/en/p/oertfylld-3-piece-oil-vinegar-set-glass-stainless-steel-40391351/
“I’ve started stocking up on second-hand plates so I can phase out disposable ones at big parties. Added bonus: mismatched China looks WAY more festive than plastic.
AND when you have mismatched plates and cups, there is no confusion about whose plate/cup it is! 🙂
We had our potluck at work last week and I brought my own plate, fork, napkin, water bottle, and take-out bento. I did get asked about them, but I described what I am doing to reduce waste in the most self-effacing way possible. I know it’s something they’ve never heard of, so the last thing I want to do is get preachy. Most people have just never stopped to think about it. Though most of the younger set of coworkers will tell me that it’s awesome I’m doing it, that it makes so much sense, etc.” – Kathryn
If you’re really interested in this topic, I think you would love this blogger’s website: https://www.goingzerowaste.com/blog/how-to-stay-zero-waste-at-a-non-zero-waste-party/
Do sustainable brands cost more?
“Sustainable brands often cost more than traditional brands. This is because sustainable materials can be more expensive to produce. Plus, they pay fair wages and make sure that their workers are well taken care of. However, there are also few sustainable brands that offer affordable products.” – Kathryn (Check out her amazing blog: https://www.goingzerowaste.com)
You could buy these eco-friendly, disposable dishes made of paper. However, it is much more sustainable (and cheaper too) to use your own dishes. Plus, with real dishes, it doesn’t take that much effort to quickly pop in the dishwasher.