5 Top Tips for Party Celebrations With Less Plastic Waste

If you’ve ever hosted a party and winced at the bags of rubbish afterwards, you’re not alone. Celebrations, particularly those with children involved all seem to generate piles of single-use plastic. The good news? A few simple swaps can transform your celebrations into something just as joyful, but far kinder to the planet.

Here are five easy, impactful ways to celebrate without plastic — inspired by my chats on the Greener Gifting Gang podcast with three incredible female founders: Charlotte Mason-Curl (No Crap Parties) Isabel Mack (Party Kit Network) Lorraine Allman (Party Without Plastic).

1. Choose Reusables Wherever You Can

Swapping disposable plates, cups and cutlery for reusables is one of the quickest ways to cut down party waste. They look nicer, feel sturdier, and save money over time.

Simple swaps:

• Real plates instead of paper

• Reusable plastic or stainless steel cups

• Cloth napkins

• Washable tablecloths

You don't even need to invest in all the reusables yourself because there are now hundreds of party kits you can hire at a fraction of the cost.

Top Tip: find your nearest party kit to hire by searching on the Party Kit Network. map.

2. Rethink Party Bags or Favours

Party bags are often the biggest source of plastic waste at parties, particularly kids ones. Lots of tiny toys destined for the bin within hours - no-one wants that! Instead, opt for something fun, simple and thoughtful that doesn’t cost the earth.

Ideas that work:

• A homemade sweet treat

• Seed packets

• A small book

• A themed craft they made during the party

Top tip: for more inspiration take a look at list of 50 ideas on the No Crap Parties website

3. Decorate Cleverly with Pieces You Can Reuse

Decorations don’t need to be single-use. In fact, reusable décor often looks far more stylish and creates a lovely sense of tradition when you bring them out year after year.

Reusable favourites:

• Fabric bunting

• Wooden cake toppers

• Paper garlands
  

Party Without Plastic marketplace showcases lots of plastic-free ideas proving that eco-friendly parties can be colourful, fun and absolutely not dull.

You may also find that decorations are included when you hire a party kit.

4. Presence over presents?

One of my favourite parts of my podcast conversations with Charlotte, Isabel and Lorraine was hearing about special gift memories. Celebrations are really about connection and you don't always have to buy something new to make a party special. Things to consider

• offering gift guidance with an invitation

• asking for a contribution to a larger gift

• running a toy or book swap instead of gifts/party bags

Many thousands of parents are making changes in how gifts are exchanged at kids parties thanks to the Kids Party Pact campaign set up by Charlotte.

5. Support Small Businesses Who Do Things Differently

There are so many brilliant makers creating eco-friendly, low-waste alternatives for parties — from reusable decorations to plastic-free crafts and handmade favours. Lorraine's Party Without Plastic marketplace helps you to quickly find the things you are looking for while also supporting small something I'm particulary passionate about.

These five tips are just the start

My full chats on the Greener Gifting Gang podcast are packed with relatable stories, clever swaps, myth-busting, and plenty of encouragement for anyone wanting to celebrate with less waste.

🎧 Listen to the episodes here or search 'Greener Gifting Gang' on your favourite platform. Celebrating Without the Waste: Lorraine Allman from Party Without Plastic A Greener Way to Gift at Kids' Parties with Charlotte Mason-Curl Party with Purpose: Greener Celebrations with Isabel Mack from the Party Kit Network