If you’re on a low-waste journey, then swapping out those plastic party decorations is important. While our gatherings are much smaller these days, we still want to make memorable celebrations, but use less plastic. Generally, October is a busy party month, and that means to-do lists, party supplies, and décoration sorting. With that in mind, here are 6 plastic party decoration swaps to help you out.

“Make simple changes in your everyday life to reduce your plastic footprint. Every action counts.”

Waste Reduction Week in Canada

6 PLASTIC PARTY DECORATION SWAPS

TABLECLOTHS

Tablecloths are one of those must-have party supplies. They’re a pop of color, they add a festive look to the party and cover up those ugly banquet tables. It’s no wonder those inexpensive versions at the ‘future-landfill-party-stores’ get purchased. In reality, those party decorations are used for a very short time and then trashed.

Try swapping out plastic tablecloths for more eco-options like:

• Fabric Sheets – raid your linen closet.
• Light Blankets – try using vintage blankets for a cozy look.
• Fabric Cloth – search your local thrift store, rent, or borrow tablecloths from a friend.
• Paper Coverings – great for young guests to doodle on! After the party, paper coverings can be recycled or composted.

• 

• 

• 

BUNTING

Bunting usually refers to a collection of triangles or flag-like decorations hung as a group. These flags or pennants often contain a message or greeting like “Happy Birthday.”

Try swapping out plastic bunting for fabric or cardstock versions. Fabric buntings are a great way to repurpose old textiles and remake them into something fun and festive. Or try using special clothes (grad or wedding dress) and remaking them into a timeless party decoration.

• 

• 

CONFETTI

I have to confess that I love confetti…the table kind, not the throwing kind. It’s cute, colorful and makes the party decor playful. Not surprisingly, I’ve stopped using confetti in its current form because of the negative impact it has on the environment. Given that, I didn’t let that deter me from finding other confetti alternatives.

For example, try swapping out plastic or foil confetti for eco-alternatives like food! Yup, I said it. Small bits of food like sprinkles are cute, colorful and offer the same amount of frustration during cleanup as their plastic counterparts. Ha!

Take a stroll down the bakers’ aisle at your local craft store and browse the sugar and sprinkles. These bright, glittery options look pretty on a party table, and can all be composted!

And you don’t have to stop at food, either. Why not try buttons, paper, puzzle pieces, or petals? The main thing to consider is what will you do with the ‘confetti’ after the party? If it fits into one of the R’s and does not end up in the trash then you’ve got an eco-alternative.

• 

• 

• 

BANNERS

Banners are another fun and festive addition to your party decor. To begin with they’re very inexpensive at the ‘future-landfill-party-stores’ (FLPS) and there lies the dilemma. Unless you’ve got loads of friends turning 30 years old this year, that single-use banner will likely end up in the landfill.

Try swapping out the plastic banner for something reusable like:

• Chalkboard
• Message Board
• Recyclable Paper Banner

PARTY SIGNS

Nothing says celebration like that over-sized “Happy Birthday” lawn sign. These, like the banners, are fun but are often not reusable. Chalkboards, whiteboards, and message boards are a great reusable choice. Whereas, wood and paper signs can be composted or recycled.

• 

• 

• 

NOISEMAKERS

Noisemakers are popular during New Year’s Eve celebrations and birthday parties. Their eco-alternative is a bit tricky to find, but Pinterest DIY projects seem to be your best option. Another idea would be to use musical instruments like shakers, drums or tamborines.

PLASTIC PARTY DECORATION AFTERLIFE

• 

• 

• 

The party’s over, and the cleanup begins, but what do you do with all those decorations? Mindful event planning is pausing to consider the afterlife of our party decorations and tableware. Where will they go and can we reuse them? Are they made up of materials that can be composted or recycled? Unfortunately, many of our current party decorations are designed for one-time use.

Mindful event planning is pausing to consider the afterlife of our party decorations.

CELEBRATE WASTE REDUCTION

We’re celebrating Waste Reduction Week here in Canada. The week-long, October campaign focuses on empowering “Canadians to adopt more environmentally conscious choices.” This program is organized into seven themes with PLASTICS THURSDAY set for October 22, 2020.

With this in mind, I thought I’d explore single-use plastic party decorations and what we can use to swap them out for something reusable. Check out 11 Simple Single-use Plastic Tableware Swaps for more low-waste celebrating ideas. ♻️

---