3 Ways to Celebrate Big Occasions Without Impacting the Planet

Grand celebrations, like weddings, milestone birthday bashes, and anniversaries are meant to be unforgettable, but the way we go about celebrating them can in fact leave a mark on the planet. The carbon footprint of travel is serious, and all that wasteful litter from one-time use party decorations and catering can really add up.

Fortunately, with a little thought and creativity, you can make more environmentally friendly decisions that not only reduce the footprint of your event but make your party that much more significant and memorable.

Go Local to Harness the Power of Community

One of the wisest things you can do is to leave as much money as possible in the hands of local businesses. Not only does it help the local economy, but it also helps the environment. Every mile that material travels increases your event’s carbon footprint because of all the transport emissions.

For instance, if you’re in New Jersey, get a local NJ wedding photographer. Not only does it reduce emissions from transportation, but it has a whole host of other environmentally friendly benefits. Local photographers are familiar with all the best spots around and natural lighting conditions, so there are fewer location scouting trips and less traveling involved on your wedding day.

Many are going a step further by adopting green business practices, including selling only digital photo packages to save paper and chemical waste, employing energy-saving equipment, and conducting business with other green suppliers. Some even participate in local environmental campaigns or give a percentage of their profits to conservation efforts, widening your good influence.

Transform Trash into Treasure

Traditional events may be entertaining in many ways, but they’re notorious for the waste they produce. Consider the mounds of plastic forks, paper plates, one-time signage, and party decorations that are headed to the landfill after a mere few hours of use. The environmental cost is astronomical, with tons of non-recyclable detritus generated at each large event. 

However, what if you could party in elegance without creating a trail of garbage? The best thing is to switch to upcycled and reusable decor. Get rid of those plastic plates and forget about those cups and opt for some thrifted glasses and real tableware, which not only look awesome but also prevent hundreds of single-use items from ending in the trash. 

For decor, look in your own cupboards or pop into local thrift stores to find some quirky jars, bottles, and fabrics that you can repurpose into adorable centerpieces or table runners. Don’t forget confetti, either. You can make it green by using a hand punch to cut out confetti from fresh leaves, giving your tablescapes a fun, biodegradable feel. 

Plan Everything With the Planet in Mind

Be sure to plan carefully and strategically to arrange a party that doesn’t leave a negative impact on the planet. First off, choose your venue carefully, focusing on sustainability. You can always find some spaces with energy-efficient light, green certifications, and robust recycling programs.

Use digital solutions whenever you can to limit the use of paper. For instance, you can send invitations, thank you notes, etc., electronically, and even use apps for schedules and seating charts. When focusing on catering, you must choose options with plant-based menus or dishes featuring seasonal produce.

Endnote

Every celebration is a great opportunity to write a new page, where both responsibility and fun blend perfectly. If you repurpose waste, go local, and plan with the planet Earth in mind, you can make memories that will last a long time.