It’s party time! Office Christmas fiestas will soon be being celebrated all around. This year why not make the theme of your office party ‘No Waste’!
If not done right, parties can be quite wasteful events. But, with a little conscious planning, you can easily make your office Christmas party the most sustainable NO WASTE party of the year.
Here’s a few tips…
1. Email Invitations
This one's simple! Save paper and send your party invitations by email, or alternatively create an event online (you because like half the world is on Facebook or other platforms) for people to RSVP to.
2. Keep It Local
This has to do with location as well as food. If the party will be outside the office, try to think of a location that people can walk, ride or catch the bus easily to, instead of having to drive.
Plan your menu around foods that are grown locally, as well as those that are in season. And, when thinking of refreshments such as wines or juices, or snacks like dips and crackers, search for smaller local businesses and support them. Smaller businesses tend to have a lower carbon footprint, and being locally produced means less carbon miles were expended.
3. Lose the Disposables
Ditch the paper or plastic plates and utensils this year. One idea is to plan for finger foods only, which people can just eat with their hands, a cocktail party perhaps? Another idea is asking anyone who wants to eat (and thats normally everyone right?) to bring their own utensils from home.
If your affair is catered, request linens and silverware instead of disposables. If you absolutely must buy plates and utensils, then purchase paper items made from recycled or biodegradable materials to reduce waste.
4. Do away with Secret Santa
Secret Santa at the office usually ends up with everyone receiving yet another bottle of wine or box of chocolates. Why not forget the gifts this year, and get everyone to make a donation to a charity of choice instead. Break the mould!
Or, at least guide everyone to make more sustainable gift purchases.
5. Think about waste
Provide clearly labeled recycling bins, and place in prominent positions next to garbage bins. Either compost leftover food or donate it to a local charity.
When it comes to decorations (yes, decorations generally end up as waste), keep it simple! Gather up a few plants from around the office, or ask staffers to contribute a favorite holiday item or their kids’ artwork to brighten up the scene. Or use food as decoration — it’s pretty and colourful, and hopefully will all get eaten making the clean up super easy.
6. Recognise your environment warriors
Is there someone in the office who rides their bike or walks to work everyday? Who is crazy about the recycling (including at the christmas party), or always drinking coffee from their Keep Cup rather than disposables? Think about who is embracing living a sustainable lifestyle (hopefully it’s everyone) and recognise them. Make them feel a special.
Awesome office party idea : Make it a potluck! Get everyone in the office to bring in a plate of food which uses seasonal produce, and have a feast of delicious summer foods. Try to delegate different people for different types of dishes so you will be covered from appetisers to dessert.
Another thing if you haven't thought about it yet, is your Office Christmas tree! Here are some great ideas for truly green Christmas trees to inspire you.
Please share photos of your no waste celebrations by entering our Photo A Day competition . Each week there is an exciting and sustainable mini Lush prize pack to be won.
Enter your photos here.
I AGREE TO A NO WASTE FESTIVE SEASON.
The Festive season is a time to share with your loved ones.