Tinsel town is in full swing. The party invitations are never-ending, the wine bottle gifts are racking up and the fancy clothes are all ironed. Amongst all this pomp and circumstance, it’s easy to forget that we have an ongoing battle to fight.
Let Christmas be the epiphany that sees a complete transformation in the way you adopt sustainable methods for a healthier planet. We’ve heard that Santa is becoming stricter on the naughty list, so follow these easy party traditions to avoid a lump of coal.
SEND DIGITAL INVITATIONS
The world has turned digital and so should party planning. With tools such as Canva, it’s so easy to make an intangible, fancy invitation yourself. Save it in your Photos Gallery and send it through Messenger or What’s App with a just a tap. No postage stamps necessary. This applies to Christmas cards too!
USE ALTERNATIVE WRAPPING MATERIALS TO PRESENT GIFTS
Wrapping gifts in fancy paper is a tradition which is hard to break. Going sustainable doesn’t mean you have to forgo this concept. Take out old brown paper rolls and draw Christmas designs on them to make them festive. Funky fabrics can be a quirky alternative to wrapping paper – and the receiver can keep it as a dishcloth or scarf.
BALLOONS SHOULD BE A BIG NO-NO
Their rubbery feel screams plastic pollution. Although they do indeed give rooms a lovely aesthetic, opt for alternatives, such as tissue paper pompoms. They can be reused for birthday parties, anniversaries as well as next year’s Christmas celebration.
WAVE GOODBYE TO PLASTIC CUPS & CUTLERY
Their use-and-dispose nature should not be celebrated. Countdown to 2020 with reusable alternatives. Take out those steel knives and forks that have been hidden for ages and put them to good use. Or else, ask your guests to join in the plastic-free spirit and get their own aluminium cups. Don’t forget to give them a good rinse before they head back home.
LEFTOVERS MAKE THE BEST MEALS
Cold pizza makes the best breakfast. Leftover turkey is best served sliced in a sandwich with some cranberry sauce the day after. Store food scraps in their ideal temperature to avoid spoiling. You won’t need to worry about lunch ideas for the next week.
DISPOSE OF MATERIALS IN THE RIGHT BAGS
Everyone’s house should have a clear view of at least four garbage sections – the grey bag for recycling items, the organic one, the black bag for general trash and a sturdy box for glass. If guests are helping with the washing or clearing the table, knowing the bins’ location and the disposal methods you adopt will help them get back to the life of the party quicker.