For the Platinum Jubilee there is a focus on the environment. The Queen’s Green Canopy initiative encourages tree planning with the aim of leaving a lasting green legacy.
When throwing a party there can be a lot of waste - increasing our impact on the environment. So what changes can we make to ensure our Big Jubilee Lunch is a little greener?
Our friends at the Party Kit Network aim to make parties more sustainable, and they've kindly shared this guest blog with their top tips for planning a Big Jubilee Lunch with less waste…
1. Borrow instead of buying
One of the easiest ways to reduce the carbon footprint of your Big Jubilee Lunch is to borrow what you need. Borrowing an item rather than buying reduces the demand for new materials helping to protect the planet - and likely costs less too!
There may be local businesses or organisations that are willing to support your event by lending what you need. Or try asking via local community groups; many areas now have active swap groups on Nextdoor or Facebook.
2. Switch to reusable tableware
Did you know that we use over one billion single-use plates every year? Even paper plates commonly contain plastic and most are not recycled. So instead of buying disposable plates to throw away, switch to reusable tableware.
For your Big Jubilee Lunch ask guests to bring their own plate or try hiring a reusable party kit.
3. Ditch the cling film
While cling film might keep your Coronation Chicken sandwiches fresh, it’s not very environmentally friendly.
In Britain we use more than 1.2 billion metres of cling film every year2. Cling film is made from plastic and difficult to reuse or recycle. So instead store food in:
- Plastic food storage tubs
- Jam jars or plastic takeaway containers
- Reusable beeswax wraps
- A bowl with a plate on top
- Or switch to foil which can be washed to use again or recycled.
(If reusing items, make sure they have been thoroughly cleaned and aren’t cracked.)
4. Decorations
Unfortunately there is no such thing as an eco-friendly balloon - even the “biodegradable” ones have the potential to endanger local wildlife. However it's still possible to have a colourful party!
Bunting is synonymous with street parties of the past; it is the ultimate colourful and reusable decoration. It is possible to hire bunting or make your own. If sewing isn’t your thing try creating Rag Tie bunting from scrap fabric.
Netted pom-poms make a great reusable alternative to balloons. Fun and colourful, they are really durable meaning they can be used again and again long after the Jubilee.
Paper chains are an easy-to-make eco-friendly decoration. Reuse scrap paper, magazines or old greetings cards. (How to Make Paper Chains)
5. Plan for waste
Even the most dedicated eco warrior would find it difficult to avoid absolutely all waste when throwing a party, so the best way to reduce our impact is to plan for waste.
Set up a tub dedicated to collecting food waste. Keeping food scraps separate from general rubbish means they can be easily composted or added to kerbside food waste collection.
Make it easy to separate recyclables, like drinks cans. This could be as simple as having a box for each of the recycling types with a label on.
6. Leave no trace
At the end of your Big Jubilee Lunch, ensure there is a team responsible for tidying up. By collecting any litter and removing all decorations, especially balloons, there will be no chance of items escaping and becoming a danger to local wildlife.
About Us
The Party Kit Network is taking action against waste by connecting those planning a party with local kits of reusable tableware. There are over 380 party kits across the UK helping to avoid thousands of single-use items every week.
Find out more at partykitnetwork.org
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Instagram: www.instagram.com/partykitnetwork
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