10 Ways to Celebrate New Year's Sustainably

Happy Holidays, Collective! Today we wanted to bring you a few ideas that you could incorporate into your New Year's party. As we all know, themed gatherings (and gatherings in general) lead to a substantial amount of waste ... alcohol alone is responsible for a few trashcans full! But, there are ways you can make your holiday more eco-conscious, some of these ideas are a simple as not purchasing single-use items, while other ideas are more involved and may need a little bit of time to prep.

We hope 2022 allows you the space to grow sustainably and affords you success and happiness!

Now, on to the ideas ...

1. Batch Drinks

One of the best ways to reduce waste at your New Year's bash is to batch a large portion of cocktails, this will reduce the number of cans, bottles and plastic containers that will make their way to the waste stream. Some cool ideas would be a champagne jungle juice, pitchers of homemade margaritas or mojitos (for alcoholic options, sparkling cider bowls are a fantastic option).

2. Recycle Bottles, Cans, Plastics, and Cardboard

If batching your drinks is just not an option make sure you recycle any single-use waste that's generated. Ensure to read the labels of the containers you are looking to recycle and spot the recycle instructions on the recycling symbol. Make sure to look up your local waste service's ordinances. Not all single-use products can be disposed of curbside (ex: a pizza box with grease stains - the grease makes this item unable to be recycled).

Good Housekeeping

3. Reuse/DIY decorations

Reuse your shiny Christmas wrapping paper by cutting out circles and stars and stringing them on twine to make festive garland. You can also DIY party hats out of toilet paper/paper towel rolls. One of the most important things to remember is to avoid balloons at all costs, if you MUST have them, search up bio-degradable balloons that you can purchase online. Also, just a friendly reminder that glitter contributes to the microplastic issue, click here to read our Instagram post on some promising science!

4. Leaf Confetti

Ahh, confetti. A pointless decoration. One that only lasts for a few seconds and then litters our floors. A GREAT and fun activity that yields eco-friendly alternative is dried leaf confetti. You just take a hole puncher and puncture dried leaves. Not only does it help create a rustic photo shoot, but it's okay to leave it on the ground when you're done .. no cleanup!

Something Turquoise

5. Grazing ("Charcuterie") Table

This is one of my favorite tips and something I frequently utilize at social gatherings. All you need are a few cutting boards, serving dishes and snacks! If you do not have a lot of serve ware you can use recyclable craft paper to line your counter top or table. Arrange a variety of veggies, fruits, nuts, crackers and plant-based meats/cheeses on the boards. Set out a few different small forks in place of tooth picks and allow guests to serve themselves as the night goes on!

Veggies Don't Bite

6. Use Regular Plates and Glasses

This one doesn't really need an explanation, all you need to do is save yourself money by not purchasing single-use serve ware - paper/plastic plates are generally not recyclable (because of food waste contamination and/or grease) and can easily be substituted with regular plates and cups. One way to help with differentiating between guest's drinks is to grab some glass charms. These attach to your glasses so guest's don't forget which one is theirs. These charms stand in the place of red solo cups and a sharpie!

7. Eco-conscious Party Favors

When thinking about giving away little gift bags as party favors, keep sustainability in mind. One of my favorite way to "stuff party favors" is with products like metal straws, reusable ziplock baggies, silicone mats, etc. Plus, your party favor bag can be a reusable shopping bag that can be utilized as well! These party favors can help your friends start the New Year off right! Here is a fun child-friendly activity.

8. Thrift Store Outfits

This one can be fun. Instead of heading to the store and grabbing a sparkly fast fashion dress that you really can't wear again, stop in your local thrift store and up-cycle an outfit. You and your friends could make it a fun activity and choose outfits for one another! Make sure to wash your clothing prior to use and you're ready to party.

9. E-Invites

This is a no-brainer. Do people even send out regular invitations anymore!? Head over to Canva or a similar program and create cute DIY e-vites. You can send them via text or email and save money and the environment from single-use invitations.

10. Swap Out Noise Makers

Single-use noise makers are fun and festive, but instead of using them once and then tossing them, get back to the old school way and have a jam session on your pots and pans! This is extremely fun for children and adults alike!