The time for summer festivities is upon us. Among all the fun we can lose track of our zero-waste intentions. To keep your footprint light, whether it be wearing high heels or flip flops, early planning is key.
In the frenzy to prepare for a birthday, wedding or festival, missed key steps can can greatly affect the trash can. Trimming waste starts before the event even begins, with an email or social media invitation rather than a fancy paper mailout. But where the real waste reduction comes is with food and beverage planning.
Opting for single-use disposable plates and utensils that will just “go away” afterward is tempting. The best option, of course, is the real deal, although it need not be your best dishware. This might be easier than you think. Ask guests to bring their own set of plates or even just a unique cup to keep track of their beverage.
Beyond that, a community set of dishes and utensils is available to sign out from Powell River Regional District’s Let’s Talk Trash team. Later this summer, a community portable dishwasher will also be loaned out for events of all sizes, so stay tuned.
If single-use plates are your only option, avoid anything labelled biodegradable or compostable and go for paper plates and cups, wooden stir sticks and bamboo utensils. Not only will you save on additional expense, but biodegradable items contaminate recycling streams and do not properly break down in backyard composters or composting facilities.
Anything recyclable and refundable can be diverted in a few labelled bins or by using the community Let’s Talk Trash zero-waste recycling and composting stations.
When it comes to food, potlucks are an amazing timesaver. Friends and family can bring their own plates to and from the event, reducing dishes and increasing culinary variety. If any leftovers remain (and we doubt it), they can provide a solid meal or two for the host later, and beyond that, food for the soil rather than the landfill.
Our local composting pilot program takes any food waste your own backyard composter cannot consume.
During events this season, remember your inner party animal does not need to be a litterbug.
Let’s Talk Trash is Powell River Regional District’s waste-management education program.
