New Ways to Help you Host Greener
LEARN
Recently, the GGGE team has received several requests for ideas on how to host gatherings more sustainably. Because most disposable hosting items like plastic plates, silverware, cups, and tablecloths CANNOT be recycled, the waste from these events can pile up quickly. While we have shared some tips earlier this summer, we wanted to share a local option we have used ourselves to help you host greener! Read on to learn about SCARCE's Green Your Gig program!
There are a lot of environmental challenges to tackle, but personally I like to talk trash any day. Waste is something where we can make choices multiple times a day. Even if we can't choose something more sustainable in the moment, we will soon have another opportunity.
Gatherings are an excellent place to work to reduce waste. One, gatherings generally have more people than you would in your household on a normal day, which means more potential waste. Two, trying something sustainable can encourage your guests to try this at home. And three, reusable items (instead of plastic) generally provide for a more beautiful and elevated experience for your guests. Personally in my own home, I have dishes I like to bring out for holidays that are from both sides of our family. It's fun to tell the stories of where they came from, and it makes the event special.
But what if you don't have enough reusable items for your gathering? There is a terrific local option at nearby SCARCE for you to GREEN YOUR GIG!
SCARCE has reusable items for up to 500 guests! They have a variety of options including different materials and colors so you can match the theme of your event (or be inspired to create one!). The reusables can replace disposable cutlery, tablecloths, plates, napkins, and all the other essentials. The rental fee is $50, regardless of the number of items you borrow. Since items from traditional rental companies are around $0.60-$0.75 cents an item, plus delivery fees, borrowing from SCARCE is environmentally and budget friendly too. (Plus it is great to support this local nonprofit that does so much good in the area!)
For individuals who want to go even greener, SCARCE also offers a variety of add-on packages to help you manage the waste from your event, including compost bins, recycling bins, signage for bins and even disposal assistance (extra fee may apply).
We ourselves rented from SCARCE when we participated in the 2023 Glen House Food Pantry's Celebration of Tables Fundraiser. The results were fun, beautiful and felt oh so good, knowing that we generated ZERO WASTE!
DO
As mentioned, SCARCE is a terrific option to rent reusables for any size event. Here are two other tips to try!:
1. Choose to Reuse for part of your event
For example, adults get real plates, kids get paper. It still reduces waste, and makes cleanup easier. Speaking of plates - if you have to go disposable, choose uncoated paper plates made from recycled paper fibers instead of plastic plates. Plastic plates aren't recyclable, and chemicals from the plastic can leach into hot food. Used paper plates should go in your garbage.
Another idea is to try real cutlery. Plastic utensils cannot be recycled, and they often break! The Glen Ellyn Chamber of Commerce was already using real knives for its Steak Fry event and this year, added real forks. The result was a nicer experience and no additional clean up process, since the knives were already collected for reuse!
2. Ditch single use water bottles!
Plastic bottled water are notoriously left half full by guests (especially kids). There are lots of ways to dispense water instead. Use pitchers you have at home; wash and re-fill empty wine bottles for a fun twist, or invest in reusable bottles or a beverage dispenser. Depending on the event, you can ask guest to bring their own water bottle or have cups available.