4 Ways to Make Your New Year’s Party More Sustainable (and Set the Tone for a Greener 2017!)

Want to minimize your carbon footprint in 2017? You don’t have to wait until January 1—set the tone early by throwing an eco-friendly New Year’s Eve celebration!

Throwing a green party is easier than you may think, and doesn’t have to mean a ton of extra clean-up (see #3 below for more on that). Take a look at our favorite tips to get ideas for your NYE bash:

Send email invites

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the U.S. uses 69 million tons of paper and paperboard per year. Save money and the environment! Companies like evite make it easy to send free invitations via email to minimize the extra waste created by producing and delivering paper.

Choose local foods and drinks for your menu

Locally sourced foods require fewer resources to reach you, so they’re a great choice when you’re making an effort to be more mindful of the environment. Visit your nearest farmer’s market for inspiration and ingredients. Many small wine and spirits shops feature a special section dedicated local brewers, vintners, and distillers, so check those out, too!

Go for compostable disposable drink cups

Once you run out of glassware, disposable cups definitely come in handy. For a more sustainable option, we like Repurpose Cold Cups, which are made from 100% plant-based resins, free of toxins—and completely compostable.

Choose decorations with staying power

Single-use party decorations (like streamers, garlands, and banners) may not leave a big dent on your wallet, but their impact on the environment is another matter. To minimize waste, choose mini houseplants and potted flowers to freshen up your space—and the air—and you can even let guests take them home as party favors. Colorful scarves can be tied together in lieu of streamers or garlands. Purchase fabrics by the yard to drape over entryways or section off areas you don’t want guests to go. After the party, they can be repurposed as colorful couch throws or used in your next DIY project.

Photo credit: Alicia Cho