For this blog post, I am defining Zero waste using the Merriam Webster dictionary definition. Zero waste is about “generating little or no waste” (Merriam Webster). The goal is to reduce the amount of trash that is sent to landfill. Instead, zero waste promotes a culture where we prioritize reducing and reusing then refer to recycling as a last resort. But it is okay if you are not perfect because progress is what matters.
I have slowly been learning and embracing being zero waste habits for the last few months. Even though I still have a long way to go I am proud of my progress. I decided to host a zero-waste party this weekend for my friends. Since I love hosting parties and I could use this party as a way to educate my friends about being zero waste. It was hard for me to be completely zero waste because I have no health food stores nearby. But I have still found a way to reduce my trash.
Food: I usually host parties in the evening and serve appetizers because it is not during mealtime. So I don’t have to serve a full meal.
Fruit and cheese plate $10.37: I got the strawberries for free because they were unopened after a meeting I attended because they were going to be thrown out if no one took them. Then I bought cheese, grapes, and pepperoni from the grocery store. This time I skipped the crackers because all of the cracker boxes had plastic packaging inside.
Cookies $0: A friend offered to help so I asked them to bring cookies package free in a reusable container. If someone offers to help you, it’s okay to accept the help.
Brownies $1: I bought a box of brownie mix when it was on sale at a grocery store.
Sparkling Apple Cider 3: I recycled the bottle and the foil was trash.
Total Cost: 14.37
The only trash I made that could not be composted or recycled was plastic packaging from the cheese, pepperoni, the foil, and inside of the brownie mix. My friends don’t care if I don’t have decorations as long as the food is good. Ideally, I would have shopped at a package-free store or place with bulk bins. But I went to Market Basket and used food that I already had because I didn’t have any close to me.
Overall it took the same amount of time it usually takes me to plan a party. The only obstacle was planning the menu and gathering reusable dishes. But it was worth it to see how little trash I made. Even if you don’t have a health food or bulk bin store nearby it is still possible to throw a zero-waste party. It doesn’t have to be perfect in order for it to be zero waste.