By Wendy Vernon
Summer is the season for picnics, block
parties, festivals, family reunions—and even simple get-togethers with friends.
But unfortunately, it’s also prime time for single-use plastic. From plastic
cutlery to bottled water, disposable items are everywhere. Most end up in
landfills or as litter—but even before that, plastic production relies on
fossil fuels and contributes to climate change. And after we toss them, many
plastics break down into microplastics that pollute our air, water, and even
our bodies. Plastic isn’t just a recycling problem—it’s a pollution and public
health problem, too.
This July, join millions around the world in
taking part in Plastic-Free July, a global movement to reduce plastic waste in
our daily lives. Whether you’re planning a backyard cookout, a family picnic,
or a larger community event, there are plenty of simple swaps that make a big
difference.
Here are a few ways to reduce plastic at
summer events:
Ditch
the Disposables
Single-use plastics may seem harmless, but many contain chemicals linked to
hormone disruption and other health risks. Swapping in reusable plates, cups,
utensils, and napkins helps protect both people and the planet.
Consider upscaling your event to glass
plates—that simple touch could make your event more elegant. Of course, you may
have events where reusable plastic plates might be more appropriate. If you
don’t have enough dishes, consider shopping at resale shops to build a supply.
Or borrow from family members or friends. You could also rent reusable place
settings from SCARCE in Addison, IL, for your event. These
place settings include reusable plates in glass or plastic, cloth napkins, and
butter knives, forks, and spoons. Another option is to have guests bring their
own dishes to eat on and then take back home. This might sound out of the
ordinary but the Wild Ones Greater DuPage Chapter has everyone bring their own
dishes at their annual potluck dinners, and it is fun to see everyone’s
different dishes. Avoid plastic straws and stirrers—go without or offer paper
or reusable metal versions.
Skip
Bottled Water
Bottled water may seem convenient, but it’s
one of the most wasteful uses of plastic—globally, an estimated one million
plastic bottles are purchased every minute. Many of them aren’t recycled, and
studies show that bottled water is often contaminated with microplastics.
Instead, set up a water refill station with pitchers or a cooler and reusable
cups. You could also encourage guests to bring their own reusable bottles. It’s
a simple switch that reduces waste and helps guests easily keep track of their
drinks.
Shop
Smart for Food and Snacks
Thoughtful shopping can greatly reduce event
waste. Choose bulk items instead of single-serving snack packs or
plastic-wrapped desserts, and bring your own bags or containers to cut down on
excess packaging. Farmers markets and local bakeries are great sources for
unpackaged or minimally packaged produce, baked goods, and treats—homemade or
local options often taste better and feel more personal. For drinks, skip
individual juice boxes or soda bottles and opt for larger containers you can
pour from. Keep an eye out for Prairie Food Co-op’s grand opening in Lombard
this July—another great place to shop sustainably.
Be prepared for leftovers by setting out
reusable containers or inviting guests to bring their own to take food home.
Simplify
Your Decorations
When it comes to decorating your gathering,
simplicity and sustainability go hand in hand. Skip plastic balloons and shiny
mylar decorations, which often end up as litter and break down into harmful
microplastics. Instead, opt for biodegradable or reusable options like fabric
banners, paper streamers, or natural centerpieces made from flowers, branches,
or herbs. You can also reduce waste and add a personal touch by borrowing
decorations or repurposing items you already have.
Rethink
Party Favors
Avoid handing out party favors made from
plastic; instead, choose something meaningful, reusable, or consumable—like
seed packets or homemade treats. Or skip the giveaways altogether. Most people
already have more than they need, and even well-intentioned favors often end up
as clutter or go unused. Focus on creating a memorable experience
instead—that’s what guests will truly appreciate.
Make
Recycling and Composting Easy
Reducing plastic is more effective than
recycling it. Still, helping guests dispose of waste properly—and offering
composting—can make a big difference. Set up clearly labeled bins and assign a
volunteer to help guests sort their waste.
Every small change helps shift the culture
away from throwaway plastic. You don’t have to be perfect—just start where you
can. Every step away from single-use plastic is a step toward a safer, cleaner
world—and by leading with these actions, you may also inspire friends, family,
or guests to adopt more sustainable practices.
Visit my Plastic Reduction page to learn more about the
plastic problem, how to reduce it in your life, and current legislation you can
support. If you’re interested in working on this issue or want more
information, email me at wvecoactionhub@gmail.com.
