Everybody loves a good party theme, but the environment doesn’t love the waste that parties often produce. Disposable plates and utensils, decorations that you’ll never use again, and themed outfits that will either wind up in the back of your closet or a landfill are not-so-fun side effects of themed parties.
It is possible to create a themed party that is also good for the environment. Choosing a theme that is fun without generating waste will make your party one to remember and one that is good for the planet that we all share.
Here are a few ideas for themed parties that are clean, green, and full of fun!
1 - Make a Game or Activity the Centerpiece
There are different ways to make a themed party rather than giving people directions on what to wear. Instead of centering your theme around the appearance of your party, make the centerpiece something that you can do together, such as a game or activity.
Murder mystery games are a popular activity that makes for a perfect centerpiece for any party. If you don’t have the time, you don’t have to come up with a mystery on your own. You can choose from various themes and gameplay options from companies offering murder mystery kits. These games are engaging and stylish but also sustainable.
Other fun activities that you can use as the focal point of your themed parties include field days, board game nights, and scavenger hunts. For guests who enjoy strategy and tabletop games, hosting a game night built around card games or even sealed Magic The Gathering products can create a memorable theme that encourages reuse, interaction, and long-term enjoyment rather than single-use party waste. That way, the focus becomes on making memories and spending time together, rather than setting up backdrops you’ll throw away tomorrow.
2 - Invite Guests to Create Costumes Out of Stuff They Own
One of the most common sources of waste for themed parties is clothing. People buy outfits for outrageous themes, which is fun at the moment, but then they never wear those items again.
To counteract this, come up with a theme that encourages guests to get creative with their clothing choices without buying new outfits. One option is to organize a party themed around recycling, where all outfits have to be made out of recycled materials.
Another fun option is to invite guests to dress up as someone else in their life, which they can do by borrowing clothes instead of buying new items. Popular party ideas in this vein include “dress as your partner/spouse” and “dress like your parents.” These themed party ideas are an opportunity to lightly poke fun at the people you love and prevent waste.
3 - Skip the Favors (or Make Them More Useful) with a DIY Theme
Party favors and goodie bags are an entertaining must-have, especially among children. However, these treats are one of the biggest sources of waste at parties. Many people throw them away as soon as they get home or never use them again.
A simple way to make your party more sustainable is to avoid party favors that you know guests will never use again. The memories that they make at your party are more than enough proof that you are a good host.
If you want to send your guests home with a physical memory from the party, think of options that are sustainable. Homemade food or candy, bath bombs, or seeds are all party favors that have a minimal environmental impact and are sure to be enjoyed.
4 - Reuse or Rent Your Decorations with a Garden Party Theme
Decorations are another common source of waste during themed parties. Since most decorations are on theme, you can’t reuse them again for different parties, and they wind up getting thrown out.
One option is to rent your decorations. There are plenty of services that rent out party equipment, including decorations. After you finish, you return it to the business that owns it, and someone else will use that equipment instead of winding up in the landfill.
Another option is to pick your theme with an eye toward sustainability so you can use things you already have as decorations. A “garden party” theme where you just put out your floral patterned things, decorate with potted plants, and make your own garlands out of citrus from the supermarket is both stylish and better for the environment.
Fun for You and the Environment
Picking a theme that doesn’t require buying lots of new things, such as a garden party or tea party theme, and making the focus on creativity rather than on consumption is the first step towards hosting a sustainable party.
There are plenty of businesses out there that can help you come up with sustainable party ideas. From renting party equipment to selling game kits, you can host an effortless party that is also good for the environment.
