TEE CEE’S TIPS
Dear Tee Cee, I’m having a few friends over to watch the Super Bowl next weekend and wondered if you could offer some tips on making this a sustainable, waste-free event.
Thanks! — T.W.
Dear T.W., while I’m not the biggest sports fan — I’m much more familiar with “super bowls” that contain quinoa, black beans, and leafy greens — I do know something about sustainable celebrations and events! Here are several ways to tackle waste at your party like a pro:
• Replay with reusables: Swap single-use cups, plates and utensils for reusables. At my house, we put out our big collection of unique coffee mugs to use for beverages. Nobody ever accidentally grabs the wrong drink when they have a cup that’s not like the others. We have to wash our cups (and plates, utensils, napkins, etc.) but we completely cut waste from the picture while saving money. (By the way, if you’re wondering if disposables save more water than reusables, they don’t! Disposables use a lot of water, natural resources, and energy to produce and distribute.)
• Don’t fumble with food waste: Wasted food is an enormous yet preventable environmental problem. If you anticipate making a bunch of food, encourage your guests to bring their own leftovers containers to take some goodies home.
• Be a waste diversion MVP: Have your recycling bin and food scrap bucket right next to your trash bin. Folks are conditioned to look for the trash container, so make it easy for them to make the right play with recycling and composting. As a reminder, single-use plastic cups, paper plates and frozen food boxes are NOT recyclable, and compostable foodware products are no longer accepted in the compost system. If you want to go the extra step, you can print out free recycling and compost signs, which can be found in Eco-cycle’s Resource Library at ecocycle.org.
• Have a green décor game plan: Repurpose existing decorations for your Super Bowl shindig. If you’re eyeing new décor, go for durable items that can be used again for future events.
Keep in mind, these waste-reduction tactics aren’t limited to Super Bowl parties; they can win the championship at any celebration. As for me, I’ll be cheering for the team that wins “Most Sustainable.” (Which team is that? Who is playing again?)
Go green and go team — whichever one you’re rooting for.