Hold “No to Low Waste” Events

By Connie  Schmidt

Put as little as possible into the landfills and lead by example! With the convenience of paper, plastic, and the dreaded Styrofoam, this may seem like a tough goal, but not necessarily. Several years ago, our son decided to have his wedding in our backyard and in true “Hippie-Child” fashion, wanted a no-waste event. Serving 120 folks vegetarian meals, having a friend with an antique shop who loaned linens, using rented plates and mason jars, and a plethora of wildflowers in various containers provided the essentials for this memorable event. 

• Since that time, I have hosted numerous other events with this goal in mind: put as little as possible into the landfills and lead by example. It is not that hard to do, and you can surely create a classy and creative look at the same time. Here are some tips to make it happen at your next event.

• Consider your menu carefully with the thought of what serving pieces and utensils will be needed. Finger foods such as appetizers, small sandwiches, and cookies or brownies provide the perfect choice and can be eaten without silverware, eliminating that need.

• Not enough friends? Chat with a local banquet hall, scour resale shops, or frequent a local restaurant. They may be happy to loan equipment for a mention at the event or just to be nice. A local banquet hall loaned me 25 beautiful tablecloths for a half-day seminar on creating healthy habitats that hosted over 100 people and served a light breakfast. 

• Asking your attendees to bring their own water bottles, coffee cups, and even re-usable plates, silverware, and napkins can be as common as bringing your own pen and paper to take notes when holding an event such as a meeting. In some areas, such as Texas, a rain barrel provides water for an outdoor event. 

• Get creative if decorations are needed. Rocks, fall leaves, wild flowers, figurines, a collection of pitchers, a stack of books, and framed or loose photographs all can provide an interesting centerpiece. 

• Plan your pick-up and clean-up process. Have a prominent recycle container for empty wine bottles, beer cans, and pop liters (of course, you are using a Britta pitcher for your fresh water needs or water from the tap if appropriate so there will be no plastic water bottles littering your recycling).  

• Stage a tray, empty box, or plastic tub for stacking of used dishes to be washed following the event. 

• Have a compost bucket for food scraps (excluding any meat products). 

• Involve others in your planning, set-up, and clean-up process. They will feel involved and offer great suggestions, and they will lessen your workload. 

There are tons of ideas that may not be included here, and you will no doubt personalize this list with your own fabulous suggestions. The point is, it is possible to minimize our use of paper and plastic and for goodness sake eliminate any Styrofoam from consideration. In doing so, you too will be putting a dent in our bulging landfills and the wasteful production of those products as well. In working on this goal, your circle of new friends, community spirit, and joy for your effort will be contagious.

Total Waste from a music concert where wine, beer, soft drinks, 

appetizers, and desserts were served for 65 attendees.

The no-waste vegetarian wedding with borrowed linens 

and rented glassware.

 Fabulous sisters and hubby to help with clean-up at the outdoor wedding.

Healthy Habitat Seminar with loaned linens and glass plates. Remember those wine glasses? They served water along with borrowed mugs for donated coffee.