How To Be an Eco-Friendly Host

Parties are an enjoyable part of life. Whether it is a family get-together, holiday feast, brunch party, wedding reception, birthday party, cocktail party, or simply a pizza night with your nearest and dearest friends - it doesn't matter because you will be in for a great time either way. But, unfortunately, parties can also be an invitation to being accidentally excessive and wasteful. We care about our planet just as much as you do, so one of the most prevalent topics we discuss with our customers is tips to have a rocking party while respecting the planet.

Since epic events don't have to be wasteful or harmful to the environment, Smarty has prepared some easy steps and party supplies to help you be a more eco-friendly host and make your event even greener. But, do you know what's even better? All our ideas are focused on letting you have a lot of fun while being mindful of the environment, yet you won't have to spend a lot. Again, this is because we believe fun and being eco-friendly don't have to be expensive.

Use Green Party Supplies

First, you must have recyclable and compostable dinnerware at your green party. Forget about those faux-styrofoam potato-based pieces - we have a collection of beautiful palm leaf, bagasse, and birch tableware that will impress even your most discerning guest. Biodegradable and compostable tableware is the best way to set your tables with sustainability that doesn't sacrifice style. Check out our eco-friendly dinnerware, including plates, bowls, trays, utensils, accessories, and more.

All-out biodegradable dinnerware has a unique natural pattern thanks to the raw materials used in the production. And the texture is smooth, and they feel light ok your hands. We want you to feel comfortable while dining, after all. And of course, how can we forget this dinnerware look just like expensive wooden dinnerware?

Flowers - A Yes or A No In Decoration?

There's no clear answer to that. You can forego flowers for more sustainable options.

Fresh-cut flowers are a staple of table decor, but they are an accent that comes with a high price tag... for your wallet and the environment. Now, if you need the flowers, consider the plants when cutting for them. This is not the case when using flower petals instead of confetti. Using flowers is the right choice.

You can also try to add beauty to your table by using decorative items made using jute, rattan, and other natural materials. They have beautiful textures and colors, after all.

Light Up the Night with LEDs

Ditch the tacky (and dangerous) cords running under tables or through the garden for a more renewable resource. Use energy-efficient LED accessories to shed some light on your next event.

Centerpiece

Instead of using store-bought centerpieces, try building a centerpiece with beautiful citrus fruit in a vase or using sustainable succulents to decorate your place settings. DIYs are always a great idea to bring a little bit of you into the party.

Reuse - Reuse – Reuse

Aren't the 3Rs supposed to be reduced, reused, and recycled? We know that Reuse Reuse and Reuse aren't the 3 Rs. But it is a crucial mantra to lightening your party's footprint and reducing your landfills' contribution. Try gifting your used linens to a bride or event planner in need, purchasing reusable partyware, and donating any unused goods to a classroom for arts and craft projects. Do you have new plates from different Disposable sets? Put them to use by mixing and matching. Have decorative items that were used in a previous party? It's time to put them to use with a little bit of glamour or change! Trust us, no one will notice; even if they do, they won't care or complain!

Food is a significant element of any party. You can try to source all your ingredients locally. This works to reduce fuel combustion.

That brings us to the next point.

Don't Let Leftovers Go To Waste

Excessive food is an issue at parties. We often over-order food for fear of not having enough to feed all our guests, but letting extra food go to waste is a tragedy! Instead, send your guests home with unopened bottles of wine, or give them stylish take-out containers they can use to pack up a box of their favorites for lunch tomorrow. You can also donate some of the remaining edible food to food banks to benefit the needy. You can also refrigerate some of the food to reheat and have when you get hungry at random times.

Give an Earth-Friendly Party Favor

An earth-friendly party favor is sourced ethically and has a small environmental footprint in its creation or consumption. Do you want examples? You can make some of your famous homemade treats as a party favor. Here's another example, for events like weddings and other occasions with a larger crowd, we love the idea of giving guests seedlings they can plant at home to remember your special day. Cute succulents in Mini pots are a good idea too. Also, flat rocks colored with kind messages or positive affirmations will make your guests' day.

Ditch Paper Invitations

Paper invitations are going out of trend. Instead, Digital invitations are on the rise. Typing an email or sending a digital invitation via WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or other social media takes less time than writing an invitation by hand. Plus, it saves the money spent on printing and posting.