Reducing Plastic at Summer Events

Are you holding a barbeque this summer?

Food, fireworks, friends, and family. There are a lot of things to love about celebrating this time of year — but cleaning up piles of plastic after a barbeque party certainly isn’t one of them.

Summer fun doesn’t have to come with a side of plastic waste. Use these 5 tips to cut back on plastic at your cookout and have a sustainable summer bash:

Avoiding plastic waste at your party can start at the store while you shop for supplies. Bring reusable bags to the grocery store so you don’t come home with a pile of single-use bags — and do your best to avoid items that come packaged in excess or unnecessary plastic. If you have a local farmers market, try shopping there for delicious, local and sustainable ingredients!

Instead of using plastic platters, plates, cups and utensils, you can opt for reusable alternatives. The most sustainable serving dishes of all are the ones you already own! If you don’t have enough on hand for your whole party, you can encourage your guests to bring their own. If you absolutely need a single-use disposable option, try out plates and cutlery made from bamboo, palm leaf, or other more sustainable materials.

An individual plastic straw is small, but they pile up into a big problem for our environment. Plastic straws are one of the most common forms of plastic waste found in our oceans.¹ Avoid contributing to this problem by offering reusable or biodegradable straws made of paper, bamboo, or stainless steel — or by skipping straws altogether.

Plastic bottles are a major source of plastic waste. Luckily, there are plenty of convenient ways to provide refreshments to your party guests without them! Opt for beverages that come in aluminum cans or glass bottles. You can also offer pitchers of water, homemade lemonade or other refreshing drinks in large, reusable dispensers, and provide your guests with a designated area for refilling reusable cups.

Plastic disposable tablecloths and decorations are easy to come by, especially for the 4th of July — but they’re pretty wasteful. Instead, consider using cloth tablecloths or picnic blankets you already have on hand. Some beautiful decorations might even be found in your own backyard: Try using natural materials such as flowers, leaves or branches to make centerpieces.

By following these five tips at your barbeque, you can reduce plastic waste and inspire others to adopt eco-friendly practices. Together, we can enjoy summer fun while also safeguarding the planet for future generations.