How to Throw a Near-Zero Waste Party

When I was growing up, my parents used to insist on using paper Dixie cups, Styrofoam plates, and plastic utensils for all outdoor events. Even if we were just eating in our backyard, it was simply too “tricky” to transport ceramic plates and tall glasses through the grass, past the smoking grill to the distant picnic table. The cloth napkins were also too delicate to take outside, so we used paper napkins from an avocado-green dinosaur dispenser. When it was time to pack it in, we would toss all the cups, plates, forks, napkins, and extra food into a couple of large plastic trash bags and call it a night. Those hot dog and Otter Pop nights were magical, but maybe it’s time to update that family tradition with a little more thought—and a lot less trash.

Here’s a modern approach that would probably annoy my parents, but will enchant your family and friends who crave a delicious and guilt-free summer cookout.

Avoid plastic, Styrofoam, paper, and other non-essential packaging.

Minimize your use of fossil fuels while gathering ingredients.

Use as many local, seasonal, organic ingredients as possible.

Relax. It’s not that hard.

Find out what’s in season in your region. Strawberries? Tomatoes? Zucchini?

Choose food that’s grown nearby or available at the farmers market.

Note: Not everyone lives close to fresh produce, but you’re still ahead of the game if you choose something seasonal, as it likely traveled a shorter distance to get to your store.

Extra points: Use homegrown produce!

Go heavy on the veggies, as growing vegetables requires less water and produces fewer greenhouse gases than raising cows and chickens.

Get an accurate headcount to avoid wasting food. Use Save the Food’s Guest-Imator to determine how much food you need.

Shop with a reusable market bag and produce bags.

Made from jute, a rain-fed vegetable fiber that requires a minimal amount of fertilizer during farming, the French Market Tote Bag is stylish and sturdy.

With the right basics, you can enjoy decades of outdoor entertaining. Prepare for many years of fabulous parties with these long-lasting classics.

Cambridge® Silversmiths Julie Satin Flatware is anything but disposable. Guaranteed to last 25 years, the set features high-quality stainless steel with an attractive brushed finish.

If your Spode dinner plates don’t feel quite right at the backyard BBQ, try the iconic Fiesta® Dinnerware.

The stylish, classic Safavieh Marina 3-Piece Outdoor Set is made from sustainable acacia wood.

Inspired by traditional farmhouses in America and Europe, the Check Tablecloth from Design Imports sets a cheerful, nostalgic mood.

The Thirstystone® Galvanized Metal and Copper Flatware Caddy makes it easy to transport your non-plastic utensils to the outdoors.

Get a head start on cleaning by asking everyone to drop their dirty dishes into a large bucket filled with water. Pre-soak the dirty napkins and tablecloths in the sink or a bucket filled with warm water and a splash of white wine vinegar, to head off stains. Bonus: This Galvanized Steel Bucket can double as a place to stash ice and drinks during the party.