Enjoy the summer outdoors without plastic waste!
Summertime means sunshine, relaxation, and quality time with loved ones. Whether we're soaking up the sun at the beach, hosting backyard barbeques, or enjoying picnics in the park, it's a season for outdoor fun. However, amidst the joy of these activities, we often overlook the environmental impact of our choices. From single-use plastics for food and drinks to disposable tableware, our summer celebrations can generate a surprising amount of waste.
This month, we're focusing on how to make picnics, barbeques, and public events more sustainable by reducing our use of single-use plastics and sharing with you some tips.
In order to understand the place single use plastic can take in your summer gatherings, we have designed this small questionnaire, fill it before diving into our tips and tricks!
1. Communicate your vision
Openly share your zero-waste cookout plans with your guests. Since this might be a new concept for many, clear communication is essential. Encourage recyclable items but remind guests to opt for reusable containers for potluck dishes instead of disposable ones covered in plastic wrap. This small change can make a significant impact. Shifting to reusable items is a cornerstone of zero-waste cookouts. While practicality may pose some challenges, it's essential to prioritize sustainability.
2. Tackling the Dish Dilemma
Yes, washing dishes is an inevitable part of using real plates and utensils. However, the environmental benefits far outweigh this minor inconvenience. Plus, if you have a dishwasher, cleanup becomes a breeze. Simply empty it before the party, load it up afterward, and wake up to sparkling clean dishes the next morning.
By bringing your reusable dishes and utensils, you can avoid the waste associated with disposables and enjoy a more sustainable picnic.
3. Cloth Napkin Solution
Cloth napkins are a fantastic way to cut down on paper towel waste. While you might not have enough for every guest, bandanas offer a stylish and affordable alternative. Fabric scraps can also be repurposed into napkins. To streamline cleanup, provide a designated bin or hamper for used napkins. Wash them together after the cookout.
4. Prioritize Plant-Based and Package-Free Options
Your menu plays a crucial role in achieving a zero-waste cookout. Since food packaging contributes significantly to household waste, focus on unpackaged items, especially fruits and vegetables. For more tips on reducing packaging at the grocery store, check out this video on zero-waste shopping!
5. Eliminate the Trash Can Temptation
For your next zero-waste cookout, strategically hide the trash can while prominently displaying recycling, compost, and dirty dish bins. You might be amazed at how effortlessly guests adapt to proper waste disposal. If guests encounter confusion, offer guidance on sorting items into the correct bins. This collaborative approach fosters a zero-waste mindset.
Don't leave any waste at the picnic site. Recycle or compost your waste properly.
6. Invest in Your Zero-Waste Collection
For frequent hosts with available storage, gradually building a collection of reusable party supplies is a smart approach. Don't forget to explore secondhand and thrift stores for hidden gems like plates, bowls, cups, and utensils. Here you can see a couple of finds from KNOF's reuse shop!
Before making new purchases, consider borrowing items from friends or family to minimize waste. Encourage guests to bring their lawn games for a diverse and sustainable entertainment experience.
7. Embrace Nature's Decor
Add a touch of natural beauty to your cookout without harming the environment. Instead of relying on single-use plastic or harmful balloons, explore eco-friendly alternatives. Sponge water bombs offer a fantastic and eco-friendly alternative to water balloons. These reusable toys provide endless fun without the mess of balloon cleanup.
Fill glass mason jars with wildflowers for charming centerpieces or unleash your creativity by crafting wreaths and swags with nature's bounty. For long-lasting and stylish decor, invest in fabric bunting that can be reused year after year. As the sun sets, illuminate your gathering with the warm glow of solar-powered string lights, creating a magical ambiance.
The magic of Zero-Waste events
Have you ever heard of a zero-waste event? It's an incredible gathering where sustainability meets fun! These events strive to minimize waste by eliminating single-use plastics and promoting recycling, composting, and reusability.
What does a zero-waste event look like?
Imagine attending a festival or concert where you can enjoy delicious food without mountains of packaging. Picture yourself using reusable utensils, plates, and cups, knowing you're making a positive impact on the environment. From farmers' markets to music festivals, zero-waste events are popping up everywhere!
Why attend a zero-waste event?
- By attending a zero-waste event, you're actively contributing to a cleaner planet.
- These events often feature local businesses committed to eco-friendly practices.
- Zero-waste events offer a fresh perspective on entertainment and social gatherings.
- Share your passion for sustainability with others who care.
If you want to learn more about organizing Zero-waste events for the public, you can read it here: https://facilities.umn.edu/our-services/waste-recovery-services/zero-waste-events
So, why not give a zero-waste event a try? You might be surprised at how fun and fulfilling it can be!
For this month's challenge, share your zero-waste adventures on social media using these hashtags:
#VOWchallenge and #valueofwaste!
Inspire others to join the movement and create a more sustainable future together.
We want to know how Pastic Free July went for you! Tell us here what changes you made at home!
To participate scan the QR code or use this link!
Hi everyone! I am Doroteja, working at KNOF as a project manager and ESC coordinator. I am passionate about learning everything I can about plastic in everyday use and finding solutions to reduce its impact on our environment. I will try to share some practical advice on minimizing plastic use and some pieces of information about plastic for the next 4 journals. I hope you will find them informative and be inspired to implement some of the tips at home.
Doroteja
Author
You can't wait to dive into the topic and meet other people involved?
Here are some local events that you can join this month!
Mark your calendars for our next monthly clothing exchange and upcycling workshop, turning clothes into practical and creative items.
We extend a warm invitation to all - whether you've been a part of our community for a while or are joining us for the first time, everyone is welcome to participate. Feel free to join us and be a part of this engaging and sustainable event!
You were wondering what else we've been up to? We had some local events.
Events in Vestigium
Last month, we had the pleasure of hosting two fantastic events at our association - our monthly clothing exchange and the seasonal summer swap party. These gatherings were a resounding success, and it was a delight to welcome new faces to our community. Coming together in Vestigium and connecting with like-minded individuals brought joy not only to us but also to our visitors.
It was truly heartwarming to witness the exchange of clothing items, knowing that each piece found a new home and would continue to bring happiness to someone else.
If you aren't a subscriber yet, you enjoyed this journal and want to be notified when we release the next ones: It's not too late!
