Summer is full of parties, from graduations to backyard barbecues. But all that fun can create a lot of waste.
The good news? You can throw an epic party without hurting the planet. Finding creative ways to reduce waste can even make your summer celebrations cost less with more fun.
Did You Know?
- The average Californian throws out over 6 pounds of trash a day.
- That’s enough plastic to fill 290 Olympic-sized swimming pools!
- Plastic breaks down into tiny microplastics, which scientists find in our food, water, and air, harming our bodies.
5 small changes make a big difference and save you money!
Tip 1: Cash In Your Bottles and Cans
Don’t toss empty drink containers…turn them into cash. Containers with a California Redemption Value (CRV), like soda, juice, cocktails, and wine and liquor packaged in a box or pouch, are worth 5, 10, or 25 cents each at local recycling sites.
Pro Tip: Sort and shake out your empty beverage containers in advance to save time.
Find a nearby recycling site at BottlesandCans.com.
Tip 2: Plan Ahead to Reduce Food Waste and Save
A little meal planning can cut food waste, save up to $3,000 a year per family, and keep food from creating pollution in landfills.
Pro Tip: Plan meals around what you already have and share or freeze leftovers before they go bad.
Tip 3: Put Food Scraps in Your Green Materials Bin
Don’t trash your leftovers. Put food scraps in your green materials bin (check your local rules on iRecycleSmart.com for what is allowed in the green bin). Use a covered container, like a coffee tub or countertop bin (some cities give them away), to collect food scraps before emptying it in the green bin, and clean it often.
Pro Tip: Freeze scraps until pickup day or layer them with yard waste or cardboard to keep smells and pests away from the green bin. Clean your green bin regularly and let it dry in the sun with the lid open.
Learn more at iRecycleSmart.com/organics.
Tip 4: Swap Single-Use for Reusables
Ditch disposable plates, cups, and utensils for reusable ones like ceramic plates, stainless steel utensils, and cloth napkins. It cuts waste, and makes your party look stylish!
Pro Tip: Check thrift stores and flea markets for unique and affordable dishware that adds personality and helps the planet.
Tip 5: Sort It Out
Set out labeled bins for trash, recycling, and food scraps so guests can easily sort waste. Store leftovers in reusable containers and swap plastic with eco-friendly options like beeswax wrap or glass jars with lids.
Pro Tip: Turn cleanup into a game and reward the guest who recycles best with a prize to inspire your friends and family to keep California clean.
Every small step counts.
By cutting waste, reusing, and recycling, we’re all doing our part to protect our planet and keep California beautiful. For local recycling tips, visit iRecycleSmart.com.
Together, we can have summer fun with a cleaner, greener future – one party at a time!
