4 Tips For an (Almost) Plastic Free Holiday Season

The 2019 holiday season is here!  A multitude of informal gatherings, brunches, buffets and office parties etc. will be taking place at a frantic pace. As such, countless millions of plastic cups, utensils, plates and glasses will be used to celebrate long into the New Year. On average, most of these plastic items will be used for less than an hour and then unceremoniously thrown away.

Not all plastic should be banned.

Let’s face it, going back to the day when butcher’s paper was used to wrap a turkey makes no sense. The point is, when used intelligently, plastic can be advantageous.When it used in a frivolous manner it is a curse to the environment and all forms of marine and animals life. 

So, what to do, what to do?

Since you genuinely care about reducing single-use plastics, here are a few common sense tips for making it through the holidays without further impacting our environment.

1. First you need a plan.

Before the party or event begins designate which baskets will be used for PLASTIC ITEMS ONLY! You have already planned the menu, the guest list, etc. now give some thought to responsibly disposing of the plastic party trash.

2.  Decide how much plastic is really necessary for the event.

It wasn’t that many years ago when we used our best china plates, crystal and silverware to celebrate the holidays. I can hear the howls now, but the majority of homes have dishwashers which you will be using anyway. It’s time to consider bringing out your best. 

3.  Can some of the single-use items can be replaced with the “real thing”?

In large gatherings, disposables may be the best option, but maybe not. Give this a little thought. Some of today’s plastic dinner plates and serving pieces are made from hard plastic and are very good looking, posh even. Some might even consider re-using these items in the future. In which case, review tip number two, again.

4.  Ask your guests to help.

You will be surprised at the number of people who are attuned the single-use plastic crisis. Many of your guests will be happy to assist you in your efforts to keep the throw away plastic items separated so they can be responsibly disposed of.  Just ask!

With a little thought and planning this holiday season can proceed with  abundant joy and good will and with a lot less plastic impacting the environment.