ditch the paper & plastic for porcelain & glass
use the good china
Choose reuseable dishware rather than single-use, disposable plates and utensils. Many venues and caterers have dinnerware and glassware you can use, or you can provide your own. If you’re wary of borrowing Grandma’s antique porcelain dinnerware, take a trip to a local thrift shop and put together your own eclectic mix of plates, bowls and glasses. If you go the thrifting route, you can either keep your dinnerware treasures for future parties or donate them back for others to find.
be plastic free
Ask your caterer and bartender not to use any single-use plastics like straws, single-serve creamers for coffee, bottled water or plastic cups. Instead have them use reusable stirring sticks or straws, a water station so people can easily refill their glasses, refillable dispensers, and plastic-free utensils. Avoid plastic-wrapped party favors, too.
400 million tons of new plastics are created each year — 40% of it for single-use purposes.
reuse DRINKWARE
Ask your bartender or caterer about alternatives to disposable drinkware. For example, you could provide reusable glassware that your guests can label and then keep. If disposable plastic cups are unavoidable, leave out a few permanent markers and a sign requesting guests write their name on their cups so they can reuse them throughout the reception.
don't forget to recycle
Check with your venue and make sure they have recycling receptacles. If they don’t, ask if you can supply your own. Be sure to provide signs to help guests sort glass, aluminum, and paper according to local recycling guidelines.
Over one-third of waste generated can be diverted from the landfill by recycling.