How to Host Summer Events While Caring for the Environment

Summer is the perfect time for outdoor gatherings—barbecues, beach days, backyard parties, and picnics in the park. But with all the fun comes a downside: waste. From plastic utensils to leftover food, even a small get-together can have a big environmental impact. The good news? With a little planning, you can throw a memorable summer event that’s easy on the planet. Today we’ll look at how to host summer celebrations that are festive, fun, and environmentally friendly. 

1. Choose an Eco-Friendly Venue

The location sets the tone for your event—and it can also help reduce your carbon footprint. Host your party outdoors to take advantage of natural lighting and ventilation. Parks, backyards, and beaches are great options that don’t require additional energy. If you’re renting a venue, look for one that prioritizes sustainability, such as locations powered by renewable energy. Hosting close to home also cuts down on travel emissions for you and your guests.  

If you or your guests need to travel, check out this blog post: Eco-Friendly Travel: Easy Tips for Sustainable Adventures

2. Send Digital Invitations

Skip the paper and go digital with your invites. There are many event planning apps that make it easy to create beautiful invitations without using any physical resources. Sites like Paperless Post and Evite offer customizable designs that suit any theme. Plus, digital invites make RSVP tracking simple and allow you to communicate last-minute updates with ease. For more casual get-togethers, consider simply texting or emailing your guests. 

3. Sustainable Decor Ideas

Decorations bring the party to life—but they don’t need to harm the planet. Instead of buying disposable items, get creative with what you already have. Use reusable fabric bunting, glass jars with wildflowers, or potted plants as centerpieces (bonus: guests can take them home!). Avoid balloons, glitter, and plastic streamers, which often end up as litter. For a DIY touch, repurpose materials like newspaper, scrap fabric, or cardboard for homemade signs and décor. 

4. Eco-Conscious Food & Drink Choices

Food is often the highlight of any party—and a great place to make sustainable choices. Opt for locally sourced, seasonal produce and support farmers markets when possible. Serve drinks in large pitchers or dispensers instead of individual bottles or cans, and ditch the single-use cups and cutlery in favor of compostable or reusable options. Perhaps you can even give your guests a re-usable bottle as a party favor, depending on the occasion! 

5. Waste Reduction & Recycling

Make it easy for guests to dispose of items responsibly. Set up clearly labeled bins for compost, recycling, and trash. If you’re hosting in a park, just be aware that those trash bins will get full quickly so its a great idea to bring your own bags. Also don’t forget your handy EZ Reacher to make cleanup even easier! If you’re serving food, encourage guests to bring their own containers for leftovers or provide compostable take-home boxes. Donating surplus food to local shelters or food banks is another great way to reduce waste while helping others.  

Learn more about sustainable recycling in this blog post: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle: A Guide to Sustainable Litter Pickup and Recycling 

6. Eco-Friendly Entertainment

Entertainment doesn’t need to be wasteful to be fun. Plan activities that require minimal materials, like lawn games, nature scavenger hunts, or outdoor movie nights. If you're hiring entertainment, choose local performers to support the community and reduce travel impact. You can also offer engaging, hands-on experiences like planting herbs in small pots or a mini recycling challenge for kids. 

7. Party Favors with a Purpose

Traditional party favors often end up as clutter or trash. Instead, offer guests something useful or eco-friendly. Seed packets, small potted plants, homemade treats in reusable jars, or locally made items are thoughtful and sustainable. Another great option? Let guests take home any leftover food or decorations they helped make—reducing waste while spreading the joy. 

Conclusion 

Hosting a sustainable summer event doesn’t mean sacrificing style or fun. By making mindful choices about your venue, food, decorations, and waste management, you can create an experience that’s both joyful and gentle on the Earth. Small efforts add up, and your eco-friendly event might just inspire others to follow your lead. 

Let’s celebrate summer the smart way, by caring for our planet while we party!